The artwork “Tomimori Sukeemon Masakata” by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, created approximately between 1847 and 1848, is a woodblock print that belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement. This illustration, measuring 37.8 x 26.1 cm, is part of the series “Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai” and is housed at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA, US.
The artwork depicts a dynamic scene featuring Tomimori Sukeemon Masakata, a samurai, engaged in an intense action. The samurai is poised in a powerful stance, gripping a large object with determined force, surrounded by scattered debris, which implies a moment of high tension or battle. The attire is richly detailed, showcasing traditional samurai armor with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, particularly blue and red. Surrounding the central figure, there is textual narration in Japanese script, providing context to the depicted scene. The overall composition reflects the dramatic and narrative style typical of Kuniyoshi’s work, emphasizing themes of heroism and loyalty.
