Kanadehon chushingura

Description The shogun of Japan has asked two provincial rulers to make arrangements for hospitality on the occasion of a visit from the shogun's younger brother. They have been told to follow the instructions of the governor of Kamakura, the contemptible Moronao. One of the two rulers, Wakasonosuke (left) expresses his feelings about Moronao. "I shall not be dying on the field of battle, but if I can kill that one man, Moronao, it will benefit the nation." Wakanosonosuke's chief retainer (right) takes a sword, strops it with a sandal, slashes a pine branch, and says, "My lord, act decisively, as I have done!"

Exhibitions

• The Nature of Loyalty: Japanese Warrior Prints of the Nineteenth Century. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1989.

Provenance Justine Lewis Keidel [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1986, by gift.

Inscriptions [Signature] Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga; [Date Seal] Tora juichi; [Date Seal Translation] Tiger 11

Credit Gift of Justine Lewis Keidel, 1986