The artwork, titled “Hayano Wasuke Tsunenari,” was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi around c.1847 – c.1848. This piece is a woodblock print belonging to the Ukiyo-e art movement. Measuring 38 x 26 cm, it falls under the genre painting category. It is a part of the series “Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai” and is housed in the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, MA, US.
The artwork portrays a samurai figure, identified as Hayano Wasuke Tsunenari, engaged in an intense action. The figure, dressed in traditional Japanese attire with elaborate patterns and vibrant colors, is shown planting a sword into a large black box adorned with a geometric pattern and tied with a yellow cord. His expression is one of stern concentration, and he wears a headband, possibly signifying readiness or determination. The background features Japanese text, presumably recounting aspects of the narrative series to which the print belongs. The combination of dynamic posture, detailed attire, and textual elements encapsulates the essence of Ukiyo-e, celebrating historical and cultural themes through expressive and vivid illustrations.
