Nanso Satomi Hakkenden, On the Roof of Horyoji
after Toyokuni III

Nanso Satomi Hakkenden, On the Roof of Horyu-ji after Toyokuni III -size reference-

This is not a typical depiction of this Hakkenden scene. There are many other ukiyo-e from Toyokuni III of the same scene, but this one is unlike any other. The way he pushed roof over the clouds, positioned each character, emphasizing the clash of two heroes is a prototype for any modern action comics, double sided clash of the heroes’ scene. It´s Thor fighting Hulk; that big.

I came across Hakkenden in the middle of the 90’s while watching The Hakkenden, anime TV series that was based on Bakin´s Nanso Satomi Hakkenden novel. It´s a strange tale of 8 warriors, who are brothers in spirit, dog spirit, easily recognized by kanji for the dog in their name – inu. On this diptych we are following a scene where Inu-gai Kempachi (actor Seki Sanjuro III) & Inu-zuka Shino (actor Bando Shuka) meet for the first time unaware of their connection. Inugai is sent to kill Inuzuka and if possible die trying. They are both saved by lightning. Literally.

Bakin was a contemporary of Hokusai and they did illustrated books (ukiyozoshi) together. Their troublesome relationship was used by Kaneto Shindo to create Hokusai Manga (1981) movie.

Technique: acrylic on canvas

Size: diptych 177 x 240 cm
(69.68 x 94.48 inch);
each panel 177 x 120 cm
(69.68 x 47.24 inch)

Year: May 2011

Availability: In Private Collection


100 Views of Ukiyo-e

During my exploration of the beginning of modern art (Impressionism and Post-Impressionism) I found myself surrounded by beautiful views of Ukiyo-e prints. They were my explanation to everything: modern/contemporary painting, design, illustration, comics and animation. Even more, I had to tell that to everyone. Firstly, I did impressions/interpretations of famous works of Hiroshige and Hokusai, but I couldn´t stop there… I finally found my call.100 Views of Ukiyo-e is my life mission to re-create new originals of selected 100 Ukiyo-e prints, new original painting in new oban size. It is divided in 4 Volumes of 25 canvases, some of the forming diptychs or triptychs. So far I have finished the first set that introduces several masters, styles and topics.

A review by Amalija Stojsavljević, art historian can be read here.


Volume I – Masters

The First Volume of series of paintings of the 100 Views of Ukiyo-e. This initial set was a practical part of my magistrate thesis in Arts at Academy of Fine Arts, Sarajevo. I tried to introduce great masters of Ukiyo-e, specific styles and topics from its begging to the end.

100 Views of Ukiyo-e, Volume I: Masters Exhibition Catalogue for Web