'The Cypress Pillar: Sagi-ike Heikuro' by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, ca. 1855. From the series 'Japanese and Chinese Comparisons for the Chapters of Genji'. This image is also available on:
This print is from a series which takes the 'Tale of Genji' and draws metaphorical associations between each of the 54 chapters and a character from Chinese or Japanese folklore. The 'Tale of Genji' dates from the early 11th century, and is considered to be the oldest Japanese novel. It details the career and love life of a fictional prince, Genji, at the Heian-period court (a subject known well to the author, the daughter of a courtier). Sagi-ike Heikuro is a Japanese folk hero from near Osaka, who started off life a poor farmer before finding service as a general under Kusunoki Masatsura (a genuine historical figure and an important player in the Nanbokucho Wars in the 14th century); according to the folktales, Heikuro's life seems to have mostly been spent fighting various giant animals bare-handed. Chapter 31 of the 'Tale of Genji', the Cypress Pillar, deals with Tamakazura, a lady-in-waiting, trying to avoid marriage to an unpleasant man; the exact allusion Kuniyoshi is drawing here is a matter for debate. This portrait of Heikuro is especially interesting as Kuniyoshi tackled the exact same scene twenty years earlier, and showcases many of the developments in his style.
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Reproduction print available on canvas, poster, framed poster, poster with hanger, or metal. See below for product-specific details.
Canvas:
- Wood frame, sustainably sourced (FSC certified materials).
- 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2") thick frame
- Shipped in protective packaging and strong boxes to ensure no damage during transportation.
- Mounting kit included
- Average Delivery Time: 5 - 7 business days
Poster:
- Museum-quality, long-lasting matte (uncoated) archival paper
- Paper-weight: 250 gsm / 110 lb
- Shipped in sturdy packaging protecting the poster
- Average Delivery Time: 2 - 3 business days
Framed Poster:
- Museum-quality paper with black, white or dark wood frame.
- 200 gsm / 80 lb matte (uncoated) paper
- Lightweight 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8") thick frame
- Shatterproof, transparent plexiglass.
- Includes hanging kit, to hang in both portrait and landscape orientations.
- For indoor use
- Frame and poster are delivered together. The poster needs to be mounted by the end-recipient.
- Average Delivery Time: 4 - 6 business days
Poster with hanger:
- Available in black, white, or dark wood
- Magnetic design holds your poster without damaging it.
- 170 gsm / 65 lb matte (uncoated) paper
- Premium leather cord matches the hanger color.
- The hanger and poster are delivered together. The poster needs to be mounted by the end-recipient.
- Average Delivery Time: 4 - 6 business days
Metallic Print
- Aluminum dibond 3mm with a white coating
- Printed directly onto the aluminum in top grade inks
- Good tonal gradation ensures accurate reproduction
- Matte and glare-free
- Includes a hanging kit
- Average Delivery Time: 5 - 7 business days