Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳) (artist 11/15/1797 – 03/05/1861)
From the series Bravery Matched with the Twelve (Zodiac) Signs: (Buyū mitate jūnishi - 武勇見立十二支) Goat (未) and Guan Yu (関羽) - a modern edition
ca 2017
4 in x 11.4 in (Overall dimensions) Japanese woodblock print
The National Museum of Asian Art - an original version
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston - the original ca. 1840 print
Art Gallery of South Australia The Chinese hero Guan Yu sits peacefully beside a pine tree, holding a stemmed cup of wine. He is paired with a goat that stands with its back to the viewer, its long fur echoing the elegant form of Guan Yu's luxuriant beard.
This example was carved and printed ca 2017 by master carver, Kitamura Shoichi. The fine printing combines graded color in a dynamic, swirling composition of exceptional artistry.
Kitamura Shōichi (北村昇一) (carver)
Minatoya Kohei (湊屋小兵衛) (publisher)
Jūnishi (十二支 - 12 signs of the Zodiac) (genre)