Saito Oniwakamaru, Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Saito Oniwakamaru. Vintage Japanese Woodblock Art Print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi Saito Oniwakamaru the young Benkei fights the giant carp at the Bishimon waterfall. After destroying the enormous monster he discovers the remains of his mother, Ohaya, who had been eaten by the fish. Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese: 歌川国芳) (ca. 1797 - April 14, 1861 was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style of woodblock prints and painting. He is associated with the Utagawa school. The range of Kuniyoshi's preferred subjects included many genres: landscapes, beautiful women, Kabuki actors, cats, and mythical animals. He is known for depictions of the battles of samurai and legendary heroes. His artwork was affected by Western influences in landscape painting and caricature.