Subject: Yoshioka Kanefusa (吉岡兼房) shown mid-combat, surrounded by broken weapons, facing attackers armed with arresting implements, likely officials or constables attempting to apprehend him, while he fights with overwhelming sword skill.
The forked implements on the ground resemble Edo-period arresting tools: sasumata (forked pole), sodegarami (sleeve entangler), or related police weapons.
Series: Honchô kendo ryaku den (Abridged Stories of Our Country’s Swordsmanship)
Robinson: S37.22
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)
Signature: Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and kiri seal
Date: 1845-46
Cens: Hama
Publisher: Kazusa-ya Iwazô
Size: Oban tate-e,
Condition: Good impression, colour and condition, with solid yellow background. Some marks and staining
Price: TBC
The tale of the text – (very rough AI translation)
Living near Sanjō Avenue in the capital (Kyoto), he was the son of Yoshioka Nizaemon and was called Niuemon. He was asked to investigate stolen goods, but after leaving that place, matters unexpectedly turned violent. He was a peerless swordsman without equal in his school.
In this world, among men, he became the scourge of thieves and robbers; his fame spread widely, renowned for his skill.