Kuniyoshi 国芳: Station Echikawa; Saginoike Heikuro with Large Axe and Severed Heads

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) Title: Station Echikawa; Saginoike Heikuro with Large Axe and Severed Heads Series: Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidô Road  木曾街道六十九次之内 Date: 1852 We see the fierce warrior Saginoike Heikurô cleaning his giant battle axe in the Minato River, where he was said to have claimed seventeen enemy heads in battle for the cause of the Emperor Go-Daigo in 1336. He is dressed in full samurai armor, sans helmet, and an admiring foot soldier looks on in appreciation of his great strength and battle prowess. The decapitated heads of three slain enemy soldiers are shown bottom right. This is a very early impression, with strong woodgrain evident in the sky and added deluxe mica. Condition: Excellent impression and color. Very good condition. Minor binding holes at right. Dimensions: ôban (36 x 24.4 cm) Publisher: Kazusaya Iwazô Literature: See Sarah Thompson’s “The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidô”, figure 66, page 148. Robinson S74.67. Seal: kiri Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga