Kuniyoshi. The Faithful Samurai

"Kuniyoshi: The Faithful Samurai" is a pioneering publication dealing with the famous Kuniyoshi series of the 47 masterless samurai ("rônin"). It contains two complete series: "Seichô gishi den" ("The faithful samurai, 1847-48") and its sequel "Seichô gishin den", ("The faithful hearts, 1848"). This true nineteenth-century tale of 47 "rônin" avenging the death of their lord is enormously popular in Japan. The dramatized version, commonly known as "Chûshingura", ("Treasury of loyal retainers"), has endured for over 250 years as one of Japan's most popular Kabuki plays. Its heroes were often depicted in Ukiyo-e prints. Kuniyoshi was a master in the genre of warrior prints, and his series expressively portrays these warrior 'folk heroes'. This publication also includes translations of the texts recounting each hero's exploits that appear on the prints.