Kuniyoshi: Monk Nichiren Encountering a Serious Difficulty at Takinoguchi (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Title: Monk Nichiren Encountering a Serious Difficulty at Takinoguchi
Series: Modern Series of Dolls (Tôse ningyô zukushi)
Date: 1856

Monk Nichiren was to be beheaded at Ryûguchi at Koshigoshi in 1271. In the background we see Nichiren kneeling in prayer while a man comes from behind to execute him. However a miracle saved him from the execution, the executioner’s sword breaking into pieces. The way the main characters are portrayed indicates that this could be a portrait of the “living dolls” misemono that were causing a stir in Tokyo during this time period.

He was accused by the Ashikaga Bakufu for his critical attitude, though what he foresaw became reality.

Dimensions: ôban
Publisher: Fujioka-ya Keijiro
Seal: Censor’s aratame and date 3rd month of Dragon year (1856)
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga with his paulownia seal

SKU: KUY275