Momijigari (Maple Viewing) - Terrific scene from a legend about Lord Taira no Koremochi. He was wandering in the hills outside Kyoto hunting deer when he met up with a group of beautiful women, including a young princess. Koremochi joined them in a picnic, and ate and drank with the group. As he was dozing off, he was visited by a messenger from the god of war who told him to be alert, draw his sword and slay one of the beauties as she was a demon disguised as a beautiful woman. In this illustration, Koremochi sits with a beauty standing behind him, but as indicated by the messenger, she is a demon and he sees her true nature reflected in the sake cup by his knee. She looks down at him with a slight smile as she lifts the robe covering her head. The wind blows her long hair and flutters hr kimono. He stares solemnly at the sake, slowly drawing his sword as maple leaves shower down around him. A great design from this famous tale, detailed with touches of cloth embossing and silver mica.

Artist - Toshihide (1863 - 1925)

Image Size - 18 3/8" x 13 7/8" + margin as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Two separate panels. Backed with old paper. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.