Kuniyoshi: Konseimao Hanzui (Fan rui) Beset by Demons 混天魔樊瑞 (Published in Heroes & Ghosts) (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)
Title: Konseimao Hanzui (Fan rui) Beset by Demons 混天魔樊瑞
Series: “The 108 Heroes of the Popular Suikoden” (Tsûzoku Suikoden gôketsu hyakuhachinin)
Date: ca. 1849-53

A group of weapon-wielding yokai bear down on Konseimao Hanzui from above, pressing him into a defensive posture near the ground, his weapon seemingly useless against a group of demons. Hanzui was the heroic leader of a warrior-gang and was said to be possessed of magic powers. Here he battles an army of demons invoked by the hostile general Kyodosei. However Hanzui, with the help of his ally Kosonsho, (who magically abates the windstorm), eventually triumph over the demons. Kuniyoshi made a name for himself as the master of warrior prints with his first Suikoden series in the 1820s. He loved this Chinese novel and its opportunity to show burly heroes in exotic lands fighting in extreme conditions. This is one of the finest designs in this interesting set. With areas of deluxe mica.

This exact print was selected for publication in the important 1998 catalog “Heroes & Ghosts”, and it was exhibited at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1998. Provenance: Merlin Dailey collection.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Mint.
Dimensions: chuban 25.4 x 18 cm
Publisher: Heikichi
Literature: Robinson S47.12. See Heroes & Ghosts by Robert Schaap (1998), catalog number 70, page 89 for this exact print.
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga

SKU: KUY542