Original Japanese Print - Utagawa Ochiai Yoshiiku - Higuchi Jiro Kanemitsu - Imayō Nazorae Genji - Edo 1863

Original traditional Ukiyo-e woodblock print. [This print is not a modern reproduction]

Print type: Musha-e (dramatic warrior print)

🎨 Artist: Utagawa Ochiai Yoshiiku 落合 芳幾
(signed: 一恵斎芳幾画 – Ikkeisai Yoshiiku ga)

📅 Publication date: 1863 (10th month – late Edo period)

📜 Publisher: Kinkyû (近久) – Ômiya Kyûjirô 大宮久次郎

📏 Format: Ôban tate-e (approx. 24 × 35.5 cm)

Origin: Japan, found in Tokyo Prefecture.

📌 Series title:
今様擬源氏 (Imayō Nazorae Genji)
"Contemporary Interpretation of The Tale of Genji"

📝 About the series:
The series Imayō Nazorae Genji is a popular retelling of the famous The Tale of Genji, where each chapter is associated with a character or scene from warrior history or Kabuki theater, creating a bold parallel between the refined aristocracy of Heian and the heroes of feudal Japan.

📖 Chapter depicted:  十八 松風 (18 Matsukaze) – Pine Wind

👤 Character depicted: Higuchi Jirō Kanemitsu 樋口次郎兼光

Subject:

This print, from a parodic series inspired by the famous classical novel The Tale of Genji, transposes the chapter Matsukaze into the world of epic warriors of the late 12th century, during the Genpei War. Here, the melancholic elegance of the original narrative gives way to the dramatic tension of a popular hero: Higuchi Jirō Kanemitsu, loyal vassal of General Minamoto no Yoshinaka (Kiso Yoshinaka).

Yoshiiku depicts him in a frozen theatrical scene: clinging to a pine branch swept by the wind, impassive face, defiant gaze. Everything in the composition evokes the resistance of a man against the chaos of the world.

The chapter title, Matsukaze (Pine Wind), here becomes a visual metaphor: the winding branches around the warrior, ready to break, contrast with his determined posture. He does not waver.

✨ Notable details:

• Richly decorated costume of the actor, with superimposed textile patterns (karakusa, checkerboard, stripes).
• Detailed clothing, sheathed saber, dynamic posture typical of musha-e.
• Vegetal decor of pines and waves, emblematic of heroic scenes.
• Theatrical aesthetic, heavily influenced by Kabuki style: accentuated gaze, expressive gestures.

📦 Condition:

Original period print, in good overall condition for its rarity.

• Colors still vibrant (intense blues, well-printed details)
• Signature, seals, and cartouches clearly legible
• No mounting or restoration
• Slight signs of natural wear (paper thinned in places, minor creases, micro tear in the upper right margin)
• Reverse slightly yellowed and stained (visible in photos) without affecting the front

🦝 Our opinion:

This work by Yoshiiku, a contemporary of Kuniyoshi and collaborator of Yoshitoshi, embodies a subtle tension between the epic tradition of Edo period warriors and a more modern staging, almost theatrical, where dramatic expression takes precedence over realism.

Through this depiction of Higuchi Jirō, a loyal and heroic figure, Yoshiiku offers a portrait of a samurai that is melancholic and powerful, rooted like the pine he embraces.

The strength of this print lies in this subtle blend of theater, history, and poetry. It is a rare piece, full of character, ideal for lovers of musha-e prints and tragic tales of loyalty.

A work rich in symbols, perfect for a collection focused on the heroes of ancient Japan.

Ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world," reflects Japanese culture and aesthetics. We invite you to explore our complete collection of Japanese prints.