Utagawa Kuniyoshi
(1798-1861)

Taiheiki Eiyuden
Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki

Sakurai Takichi Kiyokazu / Sakurai Sakichi

Sakurai Sakichi armoured, carrying a sashimono (flag) with black discs containing the junishi (12 signs of the Zodiac) surrounding the character sakigake (leader). Making a great stroke with his naginata (weapon with long curved blade).
Sakurai Sakichi is known as one of the three famous swordsmen of the Shizugamine battle in 1583.

Signature: Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga
Censor: Mera and Murata
Publisher: Yamamoto-ya Heikichi
Date: 1848/49
Text on top: Ryukatei Tanekazu, 1807-1858
oban tate-e approx- 35,5 x 24,5 cm
see in B.W. Robinson "Warrior Prints", S62.34

I really like that it shows heavy age wear. Framed with a black cardboard underlying it shows all the wormholes and tears which makes it appear pretty rough, like a battle flag.
mpc