Twee samoerai c. 1794 - 1800

This woodblock print, "Twee samoerai" (Two Samurai), created by renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Toyokuni I in the late 18th century, depicts a dynamic scene of two samurai engaged in a confrontation. The artist masterfully captures the tension and movement of the figures, using bold lines and vibrant colors to convey the action. The print is a fine example of the "ukiyo-e" style, which flourished in Japan during the Edo period and often portrayed scenes of daily life, historical figures, and popular entertainment. The piece is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.