Kuniyoshi: Chinzei Hachiro Tametomo with Bow (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)
Title: Chinzei Hachiro Tametomo with Rough-hewn Bow
Series: Stories of One Hundred Heroes of High Renown (Meiko hyaku yuden) 名高百勇傳
Date: Circa 1843

The legendary archer Chinzei Hachirô Tametomo (鎮西八郎為朝) with his huge, knobby bow, seated on a rock and shading his eyes as he looks to his left. His clothing is disheveled, and his long hair blows free in the wind. Perhaps here we see him in exile. Tametomo was a samurai of the Minamato clan who lived in the 12th century. He was known in legend as a superlative archer, to the point where his right arm was said to be 4 inches longer than his left arm to enable a more powerful draw of his bow. He is said to have once sunk an enemy Taira ship with a single arrow, puncturing its hull. After the Hogen Rebellion, the Taira severed the sinews of his left arm to limit his use of his bow, and then banished him to the island of Oshima. He seemed to be a favorite heroic subject for Kuniyoshi, and he is almost always pictured with an oversized bow. Yoshitoshi pictured him in exile with the native inhabitants of the island. This can be considered the finest design in this series.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Unbacked and untrimmed; condition is exceptional.
Dimensions: ôban (38.2 x 26.7 cm)
Publisher: Izumiya Ichibei
Signature: Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga
Literature: Robinson #S31.19.

SKU: KUY523