Comments - Fantastic triptych depicting the Battle of Yashima between Taira and Minamoto forces. Minamoto troops are massed along the coast at upper right, with a general sitting on a black horse waving his tasseled command baton, a standard bearing the paulownia mon or crest of the Minamoto Clan flying overhead. Just below, two samurai confront each other on horseback, the warrior on the dappled horse thrusting his sword forward as he charges, while his opponent grips his weapon overhead with both hands. In the center a samurai on foot attacks a fallen enemy with his sword, a dying horse lying on the ground behind him. At left a fierce warrior grips a severed head by the hair, his broken sword in his other hand. The Taira flagship waits offshore with a magnificent dragon prow and a canopy bearing the Taira butterfly crest, while Minamoto no Yoshitsune plunges his horse into the deep water to retrieve his lost bow. The dramatic crashing waves create a spectacular setting for the scene. A great choice for a samurai enthusiast or a student of military history.

Artist - Yoshikazu (active circa 1850 - 1870)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, not attached at the seams. A few small holes, repaired, blends well. Slight creasing and soiling, not significant. Please see photos for details. Good overall.