The artwork titled “Sato Tadanobu, a samurai of the Twelfth Century, Defending Himself with a Goban, when Attacked by His Enemies,” created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, is a prominent example of the Ukiyo-e art movement. This piece falls under the genre of history painting.
In the artwork, a powerful scene is depicted wherein Sato Tadanobu, a samurai from the twelfth century, is shown defending himself with a goban, a traditional Japanese board for the game of Go. The samurai’s intense expression and dynamic posture convey a sense of bravery and determination as he fends off his adversaries. The artist employs vivid colors and intricate patterns in Tadanobu’s attire, which contrasts strikingly with the muted background, highlighting the drama and action of the scene. Kuniyoshi’s use of bold lines and careful composition exemplifies the Ukiyo-e style, which captures not only the physical battle but also the samurai’s indomitable spirit.
