Published 1895, Kataoka Gengoe Takafusa (#23) belongs to Gishi Shiju-Shichi Zu (Chushingura, 47 Ronin). The series retells the story of the forty-seven Akō retainers, whose 1702 revenge for their lord Asano Naganori became one of Japan’s most influential narratives of loyalty and sacrifice. Later drama and print culture transformed the historical incident into Chūshingura, altering names and details while fixing its scenes in popular memory.
The title identifies the design’s particular figure, episode, object, or place, anchoring Gekkō’s composition in a larger network of historical narrative and cultural association. The catalog identifies samurai and story among the principal motifs. Gekkō uses their relationship to clarify action, season, setting, and narrative emphasis rather than treating them as interchangeable decoration.
Gekkō’s print style is noted for painterly contours, soft color transitions, and reserved paper, effects achieved through the collaborative disciplines of block carving and hand printing.
Additional information
| Editions | First Edition, Second Edition |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Matsuki Heikichi, Takegawa Risaburo |
| Size | Oban |
| Subjects | samurai, story |
| Year Published | 1895 |
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