22. Tomimori Sukeemon Masakata (from the series "Seichû gishi den"/Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai) [ca. 1850]

Starting price

EUR 350

Sold

EUR 600

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Session

Wed, 27 September 2017 19:30

Rōnin Tomimori Sukemon was one of the 47 rōnin who avenged their master's death. The story began in 1701, when the shogun of Japan Tokugawa Tsunayososhi charged his two vassals (Asano Naganori and Kamei Sama) with organising an official reception for the Emperor of Japan. They were going to be guided by the master of ceremonies Kira Yoshinaka, but the latter fought with master Asano, who eventually had to perform seppuku (a ritual suicide). Thus, out of the 371 rōnin (samurai without a master), only 47 decided to avenge their master, by killing Kira Yoshinaka. After reaching their goal, they turned themselves in to the authorities, being obliged to perform seppuku. Today, in Japan, they are commemorated at the Gishisai Festival (14 December in Akō), and over time they have been mentioned in kabuki plays, in literature, cinema, manga or engravings (as in our case), being considered symbols of courage, loyalty and honour.

Dimensions

custom 24.5x35.5

Description

nishiki-e woodcut print

Dating

ca. 1850

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