Tote Bag | Hokushū — The Actor Asao Gakujūrō I as Mashiba Hisatsugu

A Dramatic Masterpiece of Osaka Kamigata Ukiyo-e 🎴

Created in 1822 by the celebrated artist Shunkōsai Hokushū, this extraordinary woodblock print captures one of the most electrifying moments in Kabuki theatre history. Asao Gakujūrō I is depicted as the fierce samurai Mashiba Hisatsugu — eyes blazing with intensity, body coiled in defiance, hand firmly grasping the hilt of his sword as he prepares to strike.

The Story Behind the Print ⛩️

This powerful image is drawn from the legendary play "The Golden Gate and the Paulownia Crest" (Kinmon gosan no kiri), an epic tale of vengeance centered on the iconic rōnin Ishikawa Goemon. Every detail tells a story: the flowing robe adorned with paulownia leaf motifs and gourd tassels, and two commemorative poems celebrating the actor's adoption of his new stage name.

Carry a Piece of Edo-Period Japan 🌸

This print is a stunning example of the Kamigata Ukiyo-e tradition — the distinctive Osaka school of woodblock printing, known for its psychological depth and theatrical drama. Now it lives on a premium all-over print tote bag, crafted to be as bold as the art it carries.

Product Details

• Material: 100% polyester
• Fabric weight: 6.64 oz/yd² (225 g/m²)
• Size: 15″ × 15″ (39 × 39 cm)
• Capacity: 2.6 US gal (10 L)
• Max load: 44 lbs (20 kg)
• Dual handles: 100% natural cotton bull denim, 26″ (67 cm) long, 1″ (2.5 cm) wide
• Printed, cut, and hand-sewn by our in-house team
• OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (No. D09-1028, Hohenstein Institute)

Handle shape may vary slightly depending on shipping destination.

About the Artist 🎴

• Artist: Shunkōsai Hokushū
• Date: 1822
• Style: Osaka Kamigata Ukiyo-e
• Subject: Kabuki actor Asao Gakujūrō I as Mashiba Hisatsugu
• Play: Kinmon gosan no kiri (The Golden Gate and the Paulownia Crest)