Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) | Four woodblock prints | Edo period, 19th century

The Property of a Gentleman

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) 

Four woodblock prints

Edo period, 19^th century 

each a woodblock print, from the series One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori), signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, censor's seal kiwame, published by Kagaya Kichiemon (Seiseido), circa 1827-30, and comprising:

- Hu Sanniang (Ko Sanryo Ichijosei) deflecting arrows with a sword in each hand, her horse behind her

- Xie Zhen, the Two-headed Snake (Ryotoda Kaichin), clad in straw cloak and binding his foe

- Yan Qing (Roshi Ensei), heavily tattooed with karashishi and peonies

- Guan Sheng, the Great Halberd (Daito Kansho), blocking stone projectiles with the halberd handle at the battle of Toshofu

Each a vertical oban:

38.3 x 26.1 cm., 15⅛ x 10¼ in. (the first)

38.8 x 26.6 cm., 15¼ x 10½ in. (the second)

39.2 x 26.6 cm., 15½ x 10½ in. (the third) 

38.8 x 26.3 cm., 15¼ x 10⅜ in. (the fourth)