Aoyanagi Harunosuke Throwing an Assailant Underwater 1866

This 1866 woodblock print, "Aoyanagi Harunosuke Throwing an Assailant Underwater," is a dramatic example of the work of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, one of the most celebrated and prolific artists of the late Edo period. The print, known as a *ukiyo-e*, depicts a scene of intense action, with a samurai hero, Aoyanagi Harunosuke, using a rope to pull his enemy underwater. Yoshitoshi's masterful use of color and detail, particularly in the rendering of the water, the rope, and the hero's dynamic pose, create a sense of movement and tension that captivated audiences. The print is a powerful reminder of the samurai culture of valor and honor that was a defining aspect of Edo period Japan.