The artwork titled “Sugenoya Sannojô Masatoshi,” created by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi around 1847-1848, is a woodblock print that belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement. This illustration, measuring 36.5 x 27 cm, is part of the series “Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai.” It is currently housed in the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
The artwork depicts an intricately detailed scene featuring Sugenoya Sannojô Masatoshi, one of the characters from the famous historical narrative about loyal samurai. The composition is characterized by dynamic lines and vibrant colors, typical of Kuniyoshi’s style. Masatoshi is portrayed in mid-action, holding what appears to be a long weapon or tool, surrounded by flowing ribbons or cords. The figure’s attire is decorated with elaborate patterns, adding to the visual complexity of the piece. The background includes textual elements that likely contribute to the narrative context of the illustration. The artist’s signature and other identifying marks can be seen in the lower left corner of the artwork.
