Bravery Matched with the Twelve (Zodiac) Signs: Dog and Hata Rokurozaemon

Maker(s)
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川国芳 (1797-1861)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, late 18th-mid 19th century
Medium
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 36.6 x 12.5 cm (14 7/16 x 4 15/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S2004.3.168.11
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
Anne van Biema collection, dog, Eastern zodiac, Edo period (1615 - 1868), Japan, ukiyo-e, warrior, WWII-era provenance
Provenance
Provenance information is currently unavailable
Label

The zodiac sign of the dog is represented as a companion to a vassal of the warrior Nitta Yoshida (1301-1338).  Above the cloud in the distance are the flags and standards of an army, whose presence signals an impending battle.

Published References
  • Robert T. Singer. The Life of Animals in Japanese Art. Exh. cat. Princeton, New Jersey. p 53, fig 10K.
  • Ann Yonemura, with contributions by et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 90, pp. 214-5, 236-37.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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