Tsukioka Yoshitoshi Japanese, 1839-1892 A scene from Kanadehon Chushingura (Storehouse of the Loyalties), ca. 1870 With artist's seal Nishiki-e (color woodblock print) Oban format Lent by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Guy Wilson The true story of the revenge of the forty-seven ronin (leaderless samurai) upon the wicked lord who drove their master to suicide is one of the emblematic epics in Japanese culture-its combination of resistance and loyalty manifested in Kabuki and in movies. In this print, the powerfully quirky Yoshitoshi parodies the severe heroism of the tale by focusing on the activities of an immature follower of the noble hero. Kampei has been neglectfully romancing his intended O Karu while his master has been insulted and arrested. O Karu restrains him from suicide. He beats off an attack by the servants of the evil lord, with O Karu offering guidance and wise moral support. The spiritual identity of sword and cherry blossom (both are incarnations of purity) is clear in this print, since Kampei defeats the attacking servants with blossom rather than blade. In Kabuki, a samurai often used fragile objects to fight off inferiors. Both O Karu and Kampei later make noble self-sacrifices.