{"product_id":"utagawa-kunisada-utagawas-lifetime-masterpiece-from-the-japanese-version-of-the-shuihu-zhuan-1863-5th-month-sticker-vinyl-kiss-cut-decal","title":"Utagawa Kunisada - Utagawa's Lifetime Masterpiece, from the Japanese version of the Shuihu Zhuan - 1863 (5th month) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal","description":"\u003ch1\u003eUtagawa Kunisada - Utagawa's Lifetime Masterpiece, from the Japanese version of the Shuihu Zhuan - 1863 (5th month) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a dramatic ukiyo-e woodblock composition by Utagawa Kunisada, dated to the fifth month of 1863, showing a gathering of legendary heroes from the Japanese version of the Shuihu Zhuan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVisual Elements \u0026amp; Composition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design is arranged as a vertical triptych, so the eye moves up and down the panels rather than across them. Indigo navy and charcoal anchor the darker passages, while pale cream, dusty blue and vermilion red pick out robes and accents. A floral pattern runs through the patterned garments, giving the tight line work a decorative rhythm. The figures dominate: a group of tattooed men in patterned robes, one holding a long pole, one drawing a sword, and another with a blade resting over his shoulder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMeaning \u0026amp; Symbolism\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Shuihu Zhuan, known in English as the Water Margin, is a classic of Chinese vernacular fiction about outlaws who band together against injustice. Its Japanese adaptations made those heroes central to Edo-period popular culture, and the tattoos, weapons and bold postures signal the outlaw code of loyalty and courage that drew readers to the tale. Kunisada worked in the late Edo period, when woodblock prints were the mass medium for stories like this one, and this print stands as a late example of his command of that narrative tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBuilt for the Sticker Outline\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA kiss-cut sticker is cut to the shape of its own artwork, so the outline of these figures and their swords becomes the edge of the object itself. The sticker keeps the print's energy at close range: one figure at a time, held in the hand and seen up close. Collectors of Edo-period prints and Water Margin fans will recognise the heroes at once, and the cut edge follows the same bold line work that carries the story.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Sticker Space","offers":[{"title":"2\" × 2\" \/ Transparent","offer_id":48289438204122,"sku":"TSS-STICK-TGWKNS-2X2-369","price":2.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2\" × 2\" \/ White","offer_id":48289438236890,"sku":"TSS-STICK-TGWKNS-2X2-370","price":2.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3\" × 3\" \/ Transparent","offer_id":48289438269658,"sku":"TSS-STICK-TGWKNS-3X3-369","price":2.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3\" × 3\" \/ White","offer_id":48289438302426,"sku":"TSS-STICK-TGWKNS-3X3-370","price":2.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4\" × 4\" \/ Transparent","offer_id":48289438335194,"sku":"TSS-STICK-TGWKNS-4X4-369","price":3.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4\" × 4\" \/ White","offer_id":48289438367962,"sku":"TSS-STICK-TGWKNS-4X4-370","price":3.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6\" × 6\" \/ Transparent","offer_id":48289438400730,"sku":"TSS-STICK-TGWKNS-6X6-369","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6\" × 6\" \/ White","offer_id":48289438433498,"sku":"TSS-STICK-TGWKNS-6X6-370","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0493\/3949\/8646\/files\/utagawa-kunisada-utagawas-lifetime-masterpiece-from-the-japanese-version-of-the-shuihu-zhuan-1863-5th-month-sticker-vinyl-kiss-cut-decal-TSS-STICK-TGWKNS-2X2-370-alt-3.webp?v=1785636974","url":"https:\/\/thestickerspace.com\/products\/utagawa-kunisada-utagawas-lifetime-masterpiece-from-the-japanese-version-of-the-shuihu-zhuan-1863-5th-month-sticker-vinyl-kiss-cut-decal","provider":"The Sticker Space","version":"1.0","type":"link"}