Horimoto Gidayū Takatoshi
Original title: Horimoto Gidayū Takatoshi
kurzbeschreibung
Horimoto Gidayū Takatoshi, a samurai in full armor, is the subject of this color woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi from around 1848. The sheet belongs to ukiyo-e and is in the vertical ōban format; it was executed in ink and color on paper.
Description
A lance in his right hand, a sword in his left — thus stands the samurai, clad in armor striped in blue and red, with golden ornaments in between. Feathers adorn the helmet, a red sash falls. Behind the figure appear other people and characters that belong to the print. Strong colors and even lighting characterize the print, as is usual for woodblocks of this kind.
Context
Kuniyoshi made the print around 1848 in the late Edo period. It comes from a series of portraits of historical samurai and war heroes that found great favor in Japan. The artist was known for his dynamic warrior depictions, which often drew on historical or legendary figures.
Impact
The elaborate armor and balanced posture give the portrait an air of power and sublimity. Rich colors and sharp contours ensure immediate presence and transport the viewer into the samurai world of the Edo period.
Technique
The sheet was made as a woodblock print in ink and color on paper. Japanese color woodblock printing allowed fine lines and precise coloring, with several printing blocks used for the different color areas.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)