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Kusunoki Masashige
by Toshikata Mizuno (1866-1908) Shosetsu

Original caretaker of this artwork: eBay

	Artist:	Toshikata Mizuno (1866-1908) Shosetsu — 年方水野
	Title:	Kusunoki Masashige
	Series:	An Educational Account of Self-Made Men - Kyoiku Risshiki
	Date of first edition?:	1888
	Publisher (first edition)?:	Matsuki Heikichi (Daikokuya)
	Publisher (this edition)?:	Matsuki Heikichi (Daikokuya)
	Medium (first edition):	Woodblock
	Medium (this edition):	Woodblock
	Format (first edition):	Oban
	Format (this edition):	Oban
	DB artwork code:	46156
	Notes (first edition)?:
	Notes (this edition)?:	The following information was taken from the original web listing of this artwork. Note that there may be some inaccuracies: Original Japanese Woodblock Print Kusunoki Masashige Series; Foundations of Morality and Success Kyodo Risshi no Motoi By Mizuno Toshikata 127 years old original woodblock print. This print picturing the 14th century warrior Kusunoki Masashige (1294-1336) seated outside Shitenno-ji Temple 四天王寺 reading a scroll, likely the Miraiki みらいき, a chronicle foretelling the future and attributed to Prince Shōtoku. The Miraiki proved influential in 14th and 15th-century politics, as many of its prognostications proved true.1 A Buddhist monk sits beside Kusunoki and the large pine tree in the background may allude to the deposed emperor Godaigo's famous dream that foretells of his reigning again as the true emperor. After the dream Godaigo combines the character for "south" with that for "tree," producing kusunoki, or camphor tree. Kusunoki a warrior "famous as a wielder of bow and arrow," is then summoned from nearby Kawachi province. Kusunoki pledges to dedicate his life to restoring Godaigo's "imperial destiny." The scroll makes reference to Kusunoki's lineage, stating that he is descended from the Tachibanas who are descended from the 6th century Emperor Bidatsu. Historians, however, state there is little "historical certainty" about his lineage. Artist : Mizuno Toshikata (1866-1908) Print size : about 14.5 x 9.9 inches. Publisher : Matsuki Heikichi (松木平吉) proprietor of Daikokuya First edition prints feature a patterned border in a variety of colors, while the 1902 edition has plain paper borders. A fascinating series and a great choice for a collector interested in life in late 19th century Japan. Publishing date : 1888 Excellent color, impression and details. There are stains on the reverse side.