THE LEGENDARY NINJA has long been a favorite subject of Japanese artists. For centuries, painters of the highest distinction have devoted some of their most famous works to this endlessly fascinating subject. Here we present a small but typical selection of paintings in this genre.

Kaneko Kinryo, Ninja Walking His Dog.

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Anonymous, Ninja with Goose.

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Anonymous, The Celebrated Ninja Ashiku Kurahashi and His Wife Betsy.

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Kinoshita Itsuun, Group Portrait, Sixth Ninja Regiment.