On the evening of January 30, 1703 (according to the modern calendar) the 47 Ronin or Loyal Samurai successfully avenged their master's death. Based on true events, the vengeful tale of the 47 Ronin is one of the most popular legends in Japan. Ronin Gallery is pleased to present a collection of works featuring these honorable swordsmen by woodblock print artists such as Kuniyoshi and Toyokuni III, as well as contemporary interpretations by OZ (Keisuke Yamaguchi).

The story goes as follows: The shogun appointed Asano, a young lord from the country, to receive the emperor’s ambassadors. The unscrupulous Kira was assigned to teach Asano the ways of court etiquette, but insulted Asano so deeply that the country lord drew his sword in the shogun’s palace. When this offense mandated ritual suicide, Asano’s 47 samurai became ronin, or samurai without a master. Devastated by the loss and outraged by Kira’s trickery, the retainers swore to avenge their master’s death. After much planning, they staged a night attack, killing Kira before turning themselves in and meeting their own death. To this day, the 47 ronin remain enshrined at Sengaku Temple beside their beloved master.