Author: Ogata Gekkō (尾形月耕).
Subject: Horibe Yahei Kanamaru (堀部弥兵衛金丸).
Series: Forty-seven pictures of loyal retainers (Gishi yonjūnana zu, 義士四十七圖).
Number: 9/48.
Genre: musha-e (武者絵), chūshingura (忠臣蔵).
Size: large (ōban, 大判) 35,4cm x 24cm (13,93 x 9,44 inches).
Publisher: Matsuki Eikichi (松木平吉).
Period: c. 1899.
Trimmed: no
Backed: yes
Code: OGK01006
Condition: the print is in good condition. The colors are clear and vivid. Minor stain or halos.
There are no signs of damage, folds, or repairs. However, it has been backed.
This print depicts the warrior Horibe Yahei Kanamaru, taken from a version by Ogata Gekkō dedicated to the events of
the forty-seven loyal retainers.
It is probably a second edition produced in February 1899 by the publisher Matsuki Eikichi, released following the first
edition produced in 1896 by the publisher Takegawa Risaburō (武川利三郎). It distinguishes itself from the first edition by some
details, such as the color of the trousers.
Kanamaru's age at the time of the Akō incident may vary in historical accounts, but he was considered to be among the elder and
more experienced members of the group.
Alongside Oishi Kuranosuke, the leader of the rōnin, Horibe was one of the key figures who motivated and kept the group united in
their cause playing a crucial role in the planning and execution of the revenge against Kira Yoshinaka and a source of inspiration
for the younger samurai.
His experience and wisdom were invaluable in orchestrating the attack on Kira's mansion. He was involved in the strategic meetings
that laid out the plan for revenge, contributing to the discussions on how best to approach and infiltrate Kira's residence without
arousing suspicion.
On the night of the attack, Horibe was among those who directly engaged Kira's guards and played a significant part in navigating the
challenges they faced. His actions during the assault were marked by bravery and a deep sense of duty towards completing their mission.