Silk painting of a samurai in armor seated in seiza listening to an important person, attributed to Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Japan, 19th century Ink and polychrome representing a samurai in armor seated in a traditional and respectful manner. To his right, another figure at the foot of a cliff, dressed in a floating white kimono, looking serious, seems to be pointing him in the right direction. Signed Ichiyusaï. 114 x 42,5 cm This may be a representation of the story of Lord Nawa-no-Nagashige, who supported the deposed emperor Go-Daigo. He helps the emperor to return from his exile on the island of Oki. The emperor was not used to walking, as he was normally carried on a litter. The faithful Nawa-no-Nagashige will therefore carry the emperor on his back and the two men will return to Kyoto to try to establish their power there. The representation of this scene in Japanese art often shows Nawa-no-Nagashige with a straw mat on his back when he carries the emperor. Here we can guess it at the back of his back.