Utagawa Kunisada/Toyokuni III (1786-1865) Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Yamamoto Kansuke, 1853-57. Oban.
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This is a wonderful kabuki portrait of the master strategist, Yamamoto Kansuke. Yamamoto Kansuke (1501 - 1561) was a renowned samurai and military strategist during Japan’s Sengoku period. He is best known for his service under the famous warlord Takeda Shingen. Kansuke’s most notable contribution was his strategic planning during the Battles of Kawanakajima against Uesugi Kenshin. His tactics, particularly the pincer movement, played a crucial role in these battles. Unfortunately, Kansuke did not live to see the full success of his strategies; believing his plan had failed, he charged into the enemy ranks and died in battle.
This is an enigmatic print. For some reason, Kunisada reused blocks from a previous design: Earth: Excellent Ground for the Master Strategist ("Gunryo ni surudoki arakane no tsuchi") with Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Yokozô, from the series Collection of Exemplars of the Five Elements ("Nazorae gogyô zukushi no uchi")… altering the background, removing the pine trees and replacing with the snow scene on this print.
A very fine actor portrait of a great Japanese strategist and hero. This delicate snow scene is beautifully printed, strong design, and exceptional drawing in the hands and features. Colour slightly faded, condition fine, the print has been professionally relined. Fine impression.
36cm x 24cm.
