Kuniyoshi - Japanese Heroes for the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac

Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Japanese Heroes for the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac / Hare. Shinozuka Iga-no-kami with a spear in hand screaming at the sea. In this series of prints, Japanese heroes are likened to the twelve animals of the zodiac. Note the amazing rabbit design of his helmet.

The Buddhist zodiac consists of twelve animals—rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, serpent, horse, goat, monkey, cock, dog and boar.  There is a story that only these twelve animals came when called by Buddha, and this is the order in which they came. 

Size: 14” X 10”

Publisher: Mitaya Kihachi

Date: 1854

Condition: Very good condition, not backed, minor tape residue on back, cropped as shown.

Genre: Ukiyo-e

https://collections.mfa.org/objects/219743