The artwork titled “Hayano Kanpei Tsuneyo,” created by the esteemed artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi, dates from circa 1847 to circa 1848. This exquisite piece, crafted as a woodblock print, belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and measures 37 by 26 centimeters. It is classified as a genre painting and is part of the series “Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai.” This revered artwork is currently housed at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
The artwork vividly portrays a samurai named Hayano Kanpei Tsuneyo, depicted in an intense, dynamic stance. The composition is imbued with intricate details showcasing his traditional attire, characterized by elaborate patterns and textures. The samurai is gripping a long spear, his expression focused and resolute, suggesting readiness for combat. Surrounding him are detailed Japanese inscriptions, which provide context and narrative to the character and his story. The use of colors, primarily muted tones with vibrant accents of blue on the sash and black on the armor, emphasizes the richness of the samurai’s garments and the intensity of the scene. This woodblock print exemplifies the precision and artistic mastery typical of Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s renowned works within the Ukiyo-e tradition.
