Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

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Shō'onkō Ryohō (Lü Fang)

Location

    • currently in research collection

Objects are sometimes moved to a different location. Our object location data is usually updated on a monthly basis. Contact the Jameel Study Centre if you are planning to visit the museum to see a particular object on display, or would like to arrange an appointment to see an object in our reserve collections.

 

Publications online

  • Kuniyoshi’s Heroes of China and Japan by Oliver Impey and Mitsuko Watanabe

    Kuniyoshi’s Heroes of China and Japan

    Suikoden chapter 34

    Shō'onkō Ryohō, born in Tan-shū (Tan zhou, Shandong province), was a traveling medicine-seller. He lived in Taiei-zan (Duiying shan) where he began robbing travelers, becoming famous for his use of a specific spear known as a hōtengeki. Ryohō fought a celebrated battle with Saijinki Kakusei, another user of the hōtengeki, over who should control the area of Taiei-zan. This battle continued for days until the panther's tails that were special ornaments for their weapons got entangled. Eventually, Shōrikō Kaei (Hua Rong) a powerful local lord urged them to stop fighting, shooting the tails with one arrow. This remarkable feat so impressed them both that later they became his followers. Since then, these two fighters are always depicted as a pair.

    This print shows Ryohō in armour on a rearing horse, armed with his long spear and a banner with the insignia of a lizard. The print forms a diptych with that of Saijinki Kakusei (8) [EA1971.94].

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