321 - Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861)

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō Series (created in collaboration with Hiroshige, Kunisada, and Kuniyoshi) Station No. 36: Goyu: Yamamoto Kansuke’s Cottage A very lovely narrative composition by Kuniyoshi depicting the young strategist Yamamoto Kansuke watching birds take flight over a snow-covered landscape from his home in Goyu (an observation technique used to detect ambushes). At his side, a young woman appears to be signaling the arrival of a group, while the interior reveals his study tools, notably an armillary sphere on a stand, evoking his mastery of astronomy and geomancy. The upper cartouche contains a description comparing Kansuke to Zhuge Liang (the Chinese “Reclining Dragon”), recalling his three historic encounters with Takeda Shingen and detailing his expertise in battle formations. Woodblock print Signed: “Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga” on the right side of the print, followed by the artist’s red kiri seal Period: Edo (1845/46 (Koka 2–3)) Seal: round nanushi Publisher: Ibaya Kyubei (Kinseido) Format: Oban tate-e Fresh colors. Binding holes in the right margin. Left margin slightly trimmed. Slight soiling.