Comments - Fantastic triptych depicting an incident from the life of Saigo Takamori. Serving under the Kagoshima Clan daimyo Nariakira Shimazu, Saigo and his friend, the monk Gessho, fled to Satsuma after Shimazu was killed during the Ansei Purge. After learning that the new Satsuma daimyo would not shelter Gessho from the shogun's men, the pair decided to commit suicide by leaping from a boat into Kagoshima Bay on November 15, 1858. Sailors heard the splash, and pulled both from the water, but only Saigo survived. Here, Saigo balances in the front of the ship, gripping a sword and wearing a black kimono tucked into striped hakama pants, grimacing angrily. Gessho appears at his side, gripping a string of prayer beads as he pushes up the sleeve of his robe. A struggle is taking place with the samurai in the boat at left, who seem to be preparing to board Saigo's ship. A fascinating historic subject, drawn with energetic line work. The crashing waves, crumpled sail, and gray smoke [?] rising at left add to the agitation of the scene. The artist is Hayakawa Shozan, who was a student of Kyosai, signed under the name Shogetsu Hosai. A great dramatic image.

Artist - Hayakawa Shozan (1850 - 1892)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three panels, not attached at the seams. Light spotting and ink offsetting in subject an margins. One hole in right-hand panel, repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.