The artwork titled “Ôboshi Seizaemon Nobukiyo” was crafted by the esteemed artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi around the period of 1847 to 1848. This remarkable piece, executed in the medium of woodblock print, belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and measures 36.7 x 25.7 cm. It falls under the illustration genre and is part of the series “Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai.” The artwork is currently housed in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
The artwork features a dynamic and vividly colored portrayal of Ôboshi Seizaemon Nobukiyo, a samurai depicted in motion. His attire is detailed with intricate patterns, including a black and white geometric upper garment and teal lower garments with circular designs. The samurai holds a drawn sword in one hand and another sword is sheathed at his side. Above him, a significant amount of text in Japanese script provides context and narrative, enhancing the story-telling aspect of the print. The colors are bold, with striking contrasts that highlight the warrior’s action and traditional costume, reflecting the rich artistry and cultural narrative typical of Kuniyoshi’s work in the Ukiyo-e tradition.
