Bring the dramatic power, high-contrast graphic intensity, and legendary Edo-period history of Japanese woodblock printing into your living space with this exceptional fine art poster. Sketched from life (shasei) in 1860 by ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Yoshimune I with a tanka poem composed by celebrated writer Kanagaki Robun, this iconic print depicts the famous Leopard of Ryōgoku (Ryōgoku no Tora) grasping a rooster in its powerful jaws.

Set against a dark charcoal-black backdrop, the leopard’s fierce silhouette features a golden-yellow hide covered in dense rosettes, wide yellow eyes, and sharp white claws. Meticulously restored to preserve its authentic paper grain and original woodblock inscriptions—including the red signature cartouche reading “Yoshimune Shasei” (芳宗写生), the carver’s mark of master engraver Asakura Horicho (朝倉彫長), and the upper poetry block signed “Robun” (魯文)—this print serves as a bold, culturally rich centerpiece for modern interior walls.

The History: In July 1860 (the first year of the Man’en era), a live foreign leopard was brought to the West Ryōgoku district of Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to be exhibited in a popular misemono (pop-up spectacle show). Because live leopards had rarely been seen in Japan, Edo popular culture often conflated them with tigers, believing the spotted feline to be the female counterpart of the striped tiger. Advertised to the public as Ryōgoku no Tora (“The Tiger of Ryōgoku”), the animal became an immediate sensation. Utagawa Yoshimune I visited the spectacle to draw the exotic beast directly from life (shasei), capturing its strength as it devoured a rooster. Collaborating with popular Edo satirist Kanagaki Robun—who composed the commemorative poem in the top cartouche—and master woodblock carver Asakura Horicho, Yoshimune created one of the most famous animal prints of the late Edo period. Original impressions are preserved in world-class museum archives, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Aesthetic: A masterclass in feline anatomy, high-contrast graphic design, and expressive Edo woodblock technique, this artwork centers on the leopard’s curved, muscular shoulders and sweeping spotted hide. Yoshimune pairs the warm ochre and gold of the coat with the fiery red comb, green plumage, and yellow feathers of the rooster, creating a striking focal point against the deep black background. The upper text block containing Robun’s handwritten calligraphy and red diamond seal balances the red artist cartouche below. Set within a clean off-white margin, this high-impact print introduces an air of Japanese art history, dramatic energy, and timeless ukiyo-e artistry to any room.

It is an ideal statement piece for:

Lovers of Japanese woodblock prints, ukiyo-e collectors, Edo history scholars, feline art enthusiasts, and admirers of Asian art history.
Sun-drenched living rooms, quiet home offices, private libraries, bedrooms, entryways, or as a striking anchor on a Japanese fine art gallery wall.
Japandi, Asian modern, eclectic, dark academia, mid-century modern, or transitional interior design styles that value high-contrast graphic art and historic storytelling.

Product Details

Artist / Author: Utagawa Yoshimune I (Japanese, 1817–1880) & Kanagaki Robun (Japanese, 1829–1894)
Carver / Block Cutter: Asakura Horicho (朝倉彫長)
Title: The Leopard of Ryōgoku / Ryōgoku no Tora (Life Study of a Foreign Leopard and Rooster)
Subject: Antique Japanese Edo Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print & Exotic Animal Study
Original Year: 1860 (Edo Period, Man’en 1)
Style: Late Edo Period Ukiyo-e / Shasei (Life-Sketching) Woodblock Fine Art

Museum-Quality Vintage Prints

Our vintage posters are made to order using premium Giclée printing techniques. Every piece is printed on thick, heavyweight fine art paper (200gsm) with a smooth, completely matte finish.

We specifically source an acid-free, natural-toned paper that perfectly recreates the warmth and authentic character of original mid-century lithographs. Unlike standard glossy posters, our premium matte finish ensures there is zero glare when your artwork is framed behind glass, resulting in a rich, museum-quality display. Combined with long-lasting, UV-resistant pigment inks, your print is designed to remain vibrant for generations.