The Nineteen Retainers of Yoshitsune

About the Item: Triptych woodblock by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1855, also known as Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi and best known for his samurai warrior prints. Utagawa is the last name of a group of woodblock print artists in the Edo period that formed the Utagawa School (utagawa-ha). At times, the artist signed his work Ichiyūsai. Publisher: Izumiya Ichibei (Kansendō) with censor's seals, no block cutter's mark. The print showcases the great Minamoto leader Yoshitune sailing rough seas with his nineteen loyal retainers – the most important being warrior monk Benkei, standing guard in the bow. This print is also housed in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. With the following condition issues: Left panel: 3/4" x 1/2" piece out at middle of left edge; 1/8" notch out and bumping to top left edge; chipping along top of left panel; 1/2" x 1" piece out at lower right corner; Middle panel has 1" x 1/8" row of black ink spots at center of top edge; Right panel has 1 3/4" x 1/8" line of minimal loss of pigment along lower left edge; 1/4" x 1/8" hole lower right corner; 1/16" x 2" piece out along upper left edge; light bumping and browning along top edge; minor chipping to right edge. Moderate soiling and fading throughout all three panels. Image measures 13 5/8" x 28 7/8" (34.l6cm x 73.4 cm)