Portraits of True Loyalty
and Chivalrous Spirit

This page catalogs all known prints in the Yoshitoshi series 'Seichû gishinden (Portraits of True Loyalty and Chivalrous Spirit)'.

The story of the forty-seven rônin is one of the best known stories in Japanese literature. The rônin were former samurai of the Lord Asano Naganori. In the year 1701, Asano had been charged with the reception ceremony for the Imperial envoy, an important event. He was a soldier, and the Shogun assigned Lord Kira Yoshihisa (who had better knowledge of the ceremonial requirements) to assist Asano. Kira was apparently corrupt, and expected a bribe for his services from Asano. When Asano did not produce the bribe, Kira abandoned him without assistance. Asano completed the ceremony for the Imperial envoy, although it was not entirely in order. He later confronted Kira and in anger drew his sword. He wounded but did not kill Kira. The offense of drawing the sword was punishable by death and Asano was forced to commit seppuku.

Forty-seven of Asano's samurai, led by Captain Oishi Kuranosuke, developed a plan to avenge their late master. They blended into society and domestic lives, giving no hint that they harboured a secret plan. Oishi played a convincing drunk, and was derided by many, including former colleagues. Several other co-conspirators were able to infiltrate Kira's household. On December 14, 1702, the faithful samurai attacked Kira's compound in Edo. They were able to defeat the defenders, and found Kira cowering in a woodshed. Kira refused seppuku, and was killed. Thereafter, the samurai Terasaka Kichiemon was dispatched to carry news of the successful attack. The remaining 46 rônin presented themselves to the Shogun. The rônin had defied a shogunate order prohibiting revenge, but had also exemplified the precepts of bushido. The Shogun allowed the rônin to commit seppuku, rather than having them executed. The 46 rônin committed suicide on February 4, 1703. Terasaka Kichiemon, the 47th rônin, returned the following day but was pardoned. He was the only member to survive and died at the age of 78.

This story has spawned many accounts, or Chushingura, and many kabuki plays, the most popular being 'Kanadehon Chushingura.' Many ukiyo-e artists, including Kuniyoshi and Yoshitoshi, have created many works that deal with this popular subject. In this series, Seichû gishinden, Yoshitoshi depicts the rônin on darkly colored backgrounds. Most prints carry a number, for each rônin. Fourteen distinct designs are currently documented. Whether all 47 were produced has not been established.