Comments - Fantastic triptych of the famous Battle of Yashima between the Minamoto and the Taira. The Taira hung a fan from the mast of a ship and taunted the Minamoto to fire at it, trying to get them to waste ammunition. The eighteen-year-old samurai Nasu no Yoichi, shown at far left on horseback, has just fired an arrow, which knocks the fan into the air at extreme top right on the first attempt. A princess stands in a boat at right, watching the arrow sail overhead. In the center, Taira warriors in boats converge on three Minamoto horsemen who have plunged their mounts into the sea. Wearing a horned battle helmet, Yoshitsune leans over with his riding crop as he attempts to retrieve his bow. During the fighting on shore, he had lost his small bow and did not want to be laughed at if it fell into enemy hands, so he risked his life to recover it. Spears, naginata, and swords are all pointed at the samurai as they struggle through the water. A terrific depiction of this legendary battle, full of energy and action and beautifully colored.

Artist - Yoshiiku (1833 - 1904)

Image Size - 28 7/8" x 14 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three panels attached at the seams. Some creasing and wrinkling in subject. A couple small holes and losses repaired from reverse as shown. Some rubbing and soiling at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.