Anonymous

Late Edo/ Meiji period, 18/19th century

1615-1912

Kogo

A stunning Kogo box of a samurai subduing a tiger in a bamboo forest. Beautiful gold, black and red togidashi lacquer with bright nashiji and aogai details on brown ground.

The image seems to be depicting the print by Utagawa Toyokuni I (1769-1825) of Bando Mitsugoro as a Samurai Subduing a Tiger, 1810’s. Over many generations the well-known kabuki actor, Bando Mitsugoro has passed on his name to the 21st century. The warrior he is representing is Watonai.

The story of Watonai the tiger warrior is well known. Watonai was both Chinese and Japanese of mixed heritage, he wanted to reinstate china’s ming dynasty while the invading Manchu’s caused china mayhem.

The story of Watonai the tiger warrior is well known. Watonai was both Chinese and Japanese of mixed heritage, he wanted to reinstate china’s ming dynasty while the invading Manchu’s caused china mayhem.

He and his family travelled from Japan to china intending to do what they could to help. Watonai farther travelled ahead to avoid attracting attention, while Watonai carried his mother travelling through a bamboo forest. Midway through the bamboo forest, a tiger appeared trying to escape being hunted by a group of local Tartars. In a fearful state, the tiger attacked Watonai and his mother. Watonai quickly put his mother down ready to fight. At first, Watonai was struggling to subdue the beast, his mother quickly gave her son a powerful charm from the Shrine in Ise. At once the tiger became calm lowering his head in submission. The Tartars seeing this decided to attack the beast, but Watonai had a change of heart deciding to protect the tiger. Both Watonai and the tiger fought with the Tartars until the battle ended. The surviving members decided to side with Watonai and pledge allegiance taking Japanese names and helping in his mission.

Unsigned

97mm x 78mm x 18mm