This unnumbered print from the series Kyōdō risshi no motoi (Instructive Models of Lofty Ambition) was designed by Mizuno Toshikata. The title is listed in the 48th position in the series' Table of Contents. The scene portrays the 13th-century dispossessed and impoverished daimyo Sano Genzaemon Tsuneyo burning his cherished bonsai to provide warmth to an itinerant priest. The depiction is based on the Noh play Hachi no ki (The Potted Trees) by Zeami (1363–1443). The priest, seeking shelter from a snowstorm, is actually the regent Hōjō Tokiyori (1226–1263) in disguise. Despite his extreme poverty, Tsuneyo destroys his miniature trees to build a fire and reveals his unwavering loyalty to the regent, keeping his tattered armor, rusted sword, and emaciated horse ready to defend him. Later, Tokiyori tests this pledge, praises Tsuneyo's devotion, restores his stolen lands, and grants him three additional manors to replace the bonsai. Toshikata contributed a total of 16 prints to this series.
#25000336
VISIONS OF THE FLOATING WORLD
From Hokusai and Hiroshige through Kunisada to Koson – 92 catalogue lots containing over 100 original woodblock prints.
