P48 Antique Japanese Advertising Hikifuda Poster – Ōishi Kuranosuke (Leader of the 47 Ronin), Meiji Period

Rare vertical-format Japanese hikifuda (advertising handbill) depicting Ōishi Kuranosuke, the legendary leader of the Forty-seven Ronin, produced during the Meiji period (late 19th – early 20th century).

This type of print was used as commercial advertising and shop display material, often featuring famous historical or theatrical heroes to attract attention. The composition shows Ōishi in formal samurai dress, holding a long scroll beneath a pine tree and lantern under the moon, an image strongly associated with loyalty, honor, and perseverance in Japanese culture.

This exact composition is documented in the collection of the Kyoto National Museum as a Meiji-period hikifuda handbill, confirming both the date and the function of this design. Hikifuda were ephemeral commercial prints intended for temporary display and disposal, which makes surviving examples today extremely rare.

This poster represents the transitional period between traditional ukiyo-e visual culture and modern commercial advertising in Japan, and is an important example of early Japanese graphic advertising using historical symbolism.

Product: Hikifuda (advertising handbill)
Subject: Ōishi Kuranosuke, leader of the Forty-seven Ronin
Period: Meiji period, late 19th – early 20th century
Technique: Printed advertising handbill (hikifuda)
Country: Japan
Size: approximately 76 × 26 cm
Condition: Original antique print with visible age-related wear, creases, and edge wear consistent with age