Fan - El bandido Shi Jin apodado Nueve Dragones (cropped), Yoshitoshi, between 1885 and 1885

The bandit shi jin, character in the novel shuihu zhuan (on the bank) written by the chinese author shi naian (1296-1372). He was nicknamed kumonryu (nine dragons) due to his elaborate tattoo. He was first captured by bandits who attacked his village, and then they persuaded him to join them. He became a popular hero because the group of outlaws with which he acted threatened corrupt officials and nobles. In chinese tradition the number nine is related to the dragon, and is considered an imperial number; only high-ranking officials were allowed to wear nine dragons on their robes, apart from the emperor. Therefore, the character's tattoo was a challenge to imperial authority, which was punishable by death. Provider institution: national library of romania creator: tsukioka, yoshitoshi (1839-1892) publisher: tokyo object type: polychrome woodcut creation date: 1885-1885. Date: between 1885 and 1885.