Page 181 - 2021 March 16th Japanese and Korean Art, Christie's New York City

178 UTAGAWA KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

Last stand of the Kusunoki at
Shijo Nawate

Woodblock prints, each sheet signed Ichiyusai The full title reads 'At Shijo-nawate, the Heroes of the
Kuniyoshi gaor Kuniyoshi ga, published by Kusunoki Clan Take on a Gigantic Enemy Force and in
Sagamiya Tokichi (Ai-To), 4th month 1857 a Mighty Battle Display Their Incomparable Renown'
Vertical oban hexaptych: 15 x 10º in. (38.1 x 26 (Shijo-nawate ni te Nanke no eiyu taiteki o hikiukete oi ni
cm.) each approx. (6) sosen shite batsugun no komyo o arawasu no zu). One of
Kuniyoshi's masterpieces depicting desperate heroism
$4,000-6,000
against overwhelming odds.