Artwork Information: A color woodblock print from the ukiyo-e genre, part of the series “One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden” (“Tsūzoku Suikoden Gōketsu Hyakuhachinin no Hitori”)
Historical Context: Created during the late Edo period, a time when Japanese printmaking was reaching new heights of technical and artistic sophistication
Artwork Appeal
Global Recognition: Utagawa Kuniyoshi is one of the most celebrated ukiyo-e artists, known for his depictions of legendary heroes, animals, and landscapes
Theme: “Sōma no Furudairi” portrays the hero Sōma Shirō Tametomo amid a dramatic scene, illustrating Kuniyoshi’s skill in capturing the essence of popular tales and legends
Features: The piece is noted for its dynamic composition, vivid colors, and intricate details, including the iconic tattoos on the hero’s body, which exemplify Kuniyoshi’s unique style and mastery of the ukiyo-e art form
