Perspective Picture of the Night Attack from Act XI of the Storehouse of Loyal Retainers (Chushingura juichidanme youchi no uki-e)
c. 1791/94
Medium
Color woodblock print; horizontal o-oban
Dimensions
33.4 × 43.8 cm (13 3/16 × 17 1/4 in.)
Classification
woodblock
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
180083
Art Historical Context
Step into the dramatic world of Edo-period Japan with Kitao Masayoshi's *Perspective Picture of the Night from Act XI of thehouse of Loyal Retainers (c. 1791–94). This vibrant color woodblock print captures a pivotal scene from *Chushingura the legendary tale of the 47 ronin—samurai who avenged their lord's death through unwavering loyalty. Masayoshi, also known as Kuwagata Keai, was a skilled ukiyo-e artist works vividly illustrated kabuki theater, blending entertainment with moral storytelling for everyday viewers. Printed in the large horizontal o-oban format (33.4 × 43.8 cm), this piece e...