High Resolution ( 300 dpi ) - Sasai Ukon Masanao armed near pine trunk by Utagawa Kuniyoshi and Yamamoto Heikichi.

Yamato-e is a classical Japanese painting style that developed during the Heian period (794–1185). It focuses on Japanese themes such as native landscapes, seasonal motifs, and scenes from Japanese literature like The Tale of Genji.

Characteristic features include bright, thick pigments, stylized figures with minimal facial details, and the fukinuki yatai technique, which shows interiors by "removing" roofs for a bird’s-eye view. Yamato-e often uses cloud bands to divide space and highlight narratives, blending decorative beauty with storytelling. This style contrasts with Chinese-influenced kara-e paintings and remains influential through later periods, inspiring schools like Tosa and Rinpa, and impacting ukiyo-e art.

Sasai Ukon Masanao, armed near pine trunk (1846–1848) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi and publisher Yamamoto Heikichi vividly depicts the samurai Sasai Ukon Masanao standing poised on a large pine trunk, sword drawn, embodying fierce warrior spirit. A loyal retainer of Oda Nobunaga, Masanao is shown in a dramatic moment waiting for a ship to rescue him after a daring raid on enemy supplies, shortly before his heroic death.

The bold colours, dynamic composition, and detailed armour highlight Kuniyoshi’s mastery in capturing samurai valour and tension. This striking woodblock print is part of The Rijksmuseum collection.