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China: Portrait of fictional astronomer Wu Yong by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, c. 1827-30.

China: Portrait of fictional astronomer Wu Yong by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, c. 1827-30.

Wu Yong is a fictional character in the Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. He ranks 3rd of the 36 Heavenly Spirits of the 108 Liangshan heroes and is nicknamed the 'Resourceful Star'. He is called Chicasei Goyo in Japan.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (January 1, 1798 - April 14, 1861) was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style of woodblock prints and painting. He is associated with the Utagawa school. The range of Kuniyoshi's preferred subjects included many genres: landscapes, beautiful women, Kabuki actors, cats, and mythical animals. He is known for depictions of the battles of samurai and legendary heroes. His artwork was affected by Western influences in landscape painting and caricature.

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