Artist: Matsushima Kazuaki松島一晃Born in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture. Studied under Matsuyama Fujii藤井松山. This early modern castle was built by Mizuno Katsunari, who was transferred from Yamatokoriyama to Bingo as lord of 100,000 koku of land in 1619 after Fukushima Masanori, lord of Aki and Bingo, was demoted. Katsunari was originally based in Kannabe Castle, but after patrolling his domain, he selected Jokojiyama in Nogami village as the site for his castle and began construction. Construction was completed in August 1622, and Katsunari entered the castle on the 15th, giving it the name Tekioiyama (Tetsufukuyama) Suzakuin Hisamatsu Castle, also known as Ashiyo Castle, and it is said that he named the area around it Fukuyama. The castle is a flatland mountain castle surrounded by double moats on the east, south, and west, and the Yoshizu River runs through it to the north, with Komaruyama (city historic site), Tenjinyama (Matsuyama), and Eitokujiyama providing natural defensive walls. Today, the Sannomaru and moat have almost all been lost, but the Honmaru and Ninomaru have retained their original form. As for the structures, most were burned down in an air raid in 1945, but the Fushimi Turret (Important Cultural Property) and Sujigane Gomon (Important Cultural Property), which were said to have been moved from Fushimi Castle, still remain and demonstrate their grandeur. The Tenshu, Goyudono and Tsukimi Turret were rebuilt in 1966, the Kagami Turret in 1973, and the Bell Turret (City Important Cultural Property) was restored in 1979. Fukuyama Castle displays a majestic appearance befitting a castle lord's residence as the "guardian of the western provinces," and is a valuable relic in the history of castles. Technique: handpainted Material: paper and silk Signed and Sealed Roller ends: resin Dimensions: Total dimensions: approx. 176 x 50 cm (excl. roller ends) Painting dimensions: 113 x 37 cm Good condition, antique item have originally crease, wrinkles, stains and wear off, please also look at the listed photos for a reference. Will be well packaged and shipping by Japan Post in fast delivery.