Last Stand of Kusunoki Masatsura, 1896

by Meiji era artist (not read)

Current Status

Last Stand of Kusunoki Masatsura, 1896  by Meiji era artist (not read)

Original Meiji era Japanese Woodblock Print
Last Stand of Kusunoki Masatsura, 1896

Series; New Selection of Mirror of Honor

Last Stand of Kusunoki Masatsura, 1896 - Dramatic scene of Kusunoki Masatsura's last stand at the Battle of Shijonawate in Kyoto in1348. Fighting for the Southern Imperial Court during the Nanbokucho Wars, Kusunoki Masatsura's forces were attacked at Yoshino. Feeling too weak to defend the temporary Imperial Palace, Masatsura led his troops out to meet the Northern forces led by Ko no Moroyasu, the pair eventually engaging in hand-to-hand combat. Just as Masatsura was about to take his enemy's head, he was shot by an arrow and then committed suicide. Here, Masatsura fights valiantly under a hail of arrows, shielding his face with his battle helmet as he slices arrows in two with his sword. The arrows fly thickly through the air, with several broken missiles protruding from Masatura's armor. One of his retainers rushes forward past the tree at left, an abandoned wooden shield and naginata littering the ground. The battle continues at far right with shadowy figures seen in silhouette against the gray night sky. An incredible image capturing the chaos of battle and the fearless last stand of this great warrior. Beautifully composed and detailed with fine line work and burnishing in the armor, with fine bokashi shading and handsome wood grain impression in the background. A terrific design by an artist of the Utagawa School. A great choice for a samurai enthusiast.

Artist - Meiji era artist (not read)

Image Size - 28 1/8" x 14"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three panels attached at the seams. Backed with old paper. Some wrinkling and creasing at edges. A few light spots. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Last Stand of Kusunoki Masatsura, 1896  by Meiji era artist (not read)
Last Stand of Kusunoki Masatsura, 1896  by Meiji era artist (not read)

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