Comments - Incredible scene from legend of the warrior Tawara Toda Hidesato (Fujiwara no Hidesato) receiving the three gifts from the Dragon King at his palace under the sea, Ryugujo. After defeating an enormous centipede that had menaced the Dragon King and his domain, the king rewarded Tawara Toda with a precious bell that would later be hung a Mii-dera Temple, an inexhaustible bag of rice, and a rolls of silk brocade that would never run out. The noble samurai appears here riding on the back of a turtle as he is escorted across the waves by a variety of sea life, including octopuses, fish, lobsters, crabs, and shellfish, followed by a strange humanoid creature with a shell atop a tall stalk extending from its head. The sea creatures support the bell and other treasures just behind the turtle's mossy tale. He wears formal court robes and a tall black court cap, shielding his eyes with his hand as he looks ahead, the palace visible behind him above huge undulated waves. A fantastic image from this famous tale and a great subject for a collector interested in Japanese folklore.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 29 1/4" x 14 1/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. Some rubbing and soiling in subject as shown. Some creasing and wrinkling. Backed with old paper, a few small holes or losses repaired when backed. Please see photos for details. Good overall.