Preparatory Drawings for Portraits of Ainu Chiefs (Ishu Retsuzo)

In one of the sheets, a long-bearded figure sits holding a long spear at an angle. The cloud-and-dragon patterns on the robe and the wave patterns on the hem are carefully copied in fine ink lines. Even details such as earrings and the folds of the garment are drawn with distinct lines, and almost no color has been applied. They are thought to have been preparatory drawings for confirming details of the figures and costumes in preparation for the finished work.

In 1789, some Ainu, dissatisfied with the treatment they received from Japanese merchants, rose up on Kunashiri Island and in Menashi in the Nemuro region (the Kunashiri-Menashi Battle). After the uprising was put down, Hakyo, on the order of the Matsumae lord, painted portraits of 12 Ainu chiefs who had cooperated with the domain, completing them in 1790 as the "Ishu Retsuzo." The chiefs are known to be depicted wearing sumptuous Chinese-style robes (Ezo nishiki).

Eleven of the finished portraits were found in 1984 at the Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology in Besancon, France. The Hakodate City Central Library's preparatory drawings consist of 13 sheets, of which 9 are said to be by Hakyo's own hand. Comparing them with the finished works also offers clues to the trade and relations between the Ainu and neighboring peoples at the time.

The originals are preserved as valuable materials and are not normally open to the public. The images can be viewed in the Hakodate City Central Library's digital archive.