Kuniyoshi 国芳: Returning Sails in the Ryukyu Islands: MInamoto no Tametomo (SOLD)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) 国芳
Title: Returning Sails in the Ryûkyû Islands (Ryûkyû kihan): MInamoto no Tametomo
Series: 燿武八景　Eight Views of Military Brilliance (Yobu hakkei)
Date:  1847-1850
Size: oban (38.3 x 25.5 cm)

We see Minamoto no Tametomo raising his black fan, apparently signaling to Kiheiji who is seen swimming rather sneakily in the background. This design is extraordinary for the dramatic way that the sail is used as a framing device; its white curve covers the whole left side of the print, and it echoes the shape of the curved fan that Tametomo is holding. It puts us in the heat of the action. The fan has extra printing in the lacquer-imitating technique.

Condition: Excellent impression; very good color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked. 
Publisher:  Enshuya Hikobei
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga
Literature: Robinson S76.5. See MFA and British Museum collections. 

SKU: KUY555