The artwork, titled “Isoai Jûroemon Masahisa,” is a woodblock print created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi between 1847 and 1848. This piece, measuring 37.6 by 26 cm, belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and falls under the genre of genre painting. It is part of the series “Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai” and is currently housed in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts.
The artwork depicts a samurai in a dramatic pose, wielding a long weapon with determination and ferocity. The samurai’s attire is elaborate, featuring a combination of patterns and colors such as black, white, blue, and purple, with various details indicating his rank and status. His posture is energetic and dynamic, providing a sense of motion and tension. The background of the artwork is filled with Japanese text, likely providing context and narration related to the samurai’s story. The print exemplifies the detailed and expressive style characteristic of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, capturing a moment of intense action and loyalty reflective of the samurai’s valor.
