A fascinating group of 12 vintage pre-war Japanese round menko cards featuring samurai from the legendary story of the 47 Ronin. These cards are particularly appealing for their traditional woodblock-printed artwork, distinctive red and cream coloring, and historical subject matter.
The 47 Ronin, also known as the Forty-Seven Rōnin or Chūshingura, are among the most famous figures in Japanese history and folklore. The story follows a group of samurai who became masterless after their lord, Asano Naganori, was compelled to commit seppuku. Led by Ōishi Kuranosuke, the ronin spent nearly two years planning their revenge before carrying out a daring attack on the official responsible for their lord\'s downfall. Their loyalty, sacrifice, and devotion to the samurai code have made their story an enduring part of Japanese culture, retold through theater, literature, film, and art for generations.
The cards depict individual members of the 47 Ronin, including Yakokawa Kanbei, Kanzaki Yogorō, Horibe Yahei, Hara Sōemon, Tominomori Sukeemon, Hazama Jūjirō, Ōishi Chikara, and Kurahashi Densuke. Each card features a different illustration of a samurai, with traditional clothing, weapons, and dramatic poses that evoke the world of the historical warriors.
These are early, round-format menko printed using traditional woodblock techniques, with finely detailed illustrations and Japanese text. Their simple but striking red and cream palette gives the group a distinctive appearance and reflects an earlier era of Japanese card production. The reverse sides are unprinted, as shown in the photos.
A wonderful opportunity for collectors of pre-war Japanese menko, samurai memorabilia, Japanese history, and traditional woodblock art. The 47 Ronin remain one of Japan\'s most recognizable historical subjects, making this a particularly interesting group of early Japanese collectibles.
Lot includes all 12 cards shown.Each card is approximately 2 inches in diameter. Please see photos for card condition.
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