Ma Lin (Tettekisen Barin), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"

Art Historical Context

Behold the dynamic woodblock print *Ma Lin (Tettek Barin)* by Utagawa Kuniy, created around 1827–30 as part of his renowned series *One Hundred and Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)*. oban-sized color print (38.6 × 26.4 cm) Ma Lin, one of the108 outlaw heroes from the classic Chinese novel *Water Margin* (Shui Hu Zhuan), known in Japan as *Suikoden*. Kuniyoshi, a master of the ukiyo-e tradition, portrays the warrior in a fierce, exaggerated pose, embodying the rebellious spirit of these bandit knights who defied corrupt officials. During Japan's Edo period, Kuniyoshi's series ignited a cultural phenomenon, popularizing *Suikoden* heroes through vivid, muscular depictions that influenced fashion, tattoos, and later manga. Printed in lush nishiki-e style—using multiple woodblocks for intricate colors and textures—the artwork exemplifies ukiyo-e's technical brilliance, from bold outlines (karazuri) to subtle gradients (bokashi). Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this print showcases Kuniyoshi's innovative flair for drama and movement, bridging epic storytelling with accessible print culture for everyday viewers.

About the Artist

Utagawa Kuniyoshi · 1797–1861

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) was born in Edo to the silk-dyer Yanagiya Kichiyemon, originally bearing the childhood name Yoshisaburō. From a young age, he assisted in his family's pattern design work, which sharpened his innate mastery of color and textile motifs that would permeate his later prints. At around twelve years old, his prodigious drawing skills drew the attention of the renowned Utag...