The artwork titled “Mase Magoshirô Masatatsu” by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, created circa 1847-1848, is a woodblock print that belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement. Measuring 37.4 x 25.8 cm, this illustration is part of the series “Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai” and resides in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
The artwork depicts a striking scene featuring Mase Magoshirô Masatatsu, a samurai characterized by his dynamic posture and powerful presence. He is shown wielding a large hammer, which he uses to break through a wall, as evidenced by the debris and fragmented stone at the right side of the composition. His attire is elaborate: a haori (traditional Japanese jacket) with black and white geometric patterns, a rich hakama (pleated trousers) with floral designs in shades of blue, and several layers of armor underneath. His determined expression and muscular form emphasize his strength and resolve. Surrounding the central figure is a block of text in Japanese script, providing context and narrative to the scene depicted. The combination of intricate patterns and vibrant colors exemplifies the finesse of the Ukiyo-e art style.
