The artwork titled “Ôboshi Rikiya Yoshikane” was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi around 1847 to 1848. This woodblock print, measuring 35.6 x 25.4 cm, belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and falls within the illustration genre. 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 (MFA) in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
The artwork displays a figure in traditional Japanese attire, possibly a samurai, richly adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors. The composition includes elements of written text, likely providing context or narrative related to the figure depicted. The character holds a long object, resembling a spear or staff, and bears an intense expression, suggesting readiness or contemplation. The careful use of color and linework exemplifies the Ukiyo-e style, capturing both the elegance and drama typical of Kuniyoshi’s work. The background remains relatively plain, allowing the figure and the accompanying text to dominate the visual space, thereby focusing the viewer’s attention on the story and the character’s persona.
