Oniwakamaru and the Giant Carp - Fantastic depiction of Oniwakamaru (the young Benkei) wrestling with the giant carp that swallowed his mother. While studying at a temple, Oniwakamaru learned that an enormous carp had eaten his mother when she fell into a pool at the foot of Bishamon Waterfall. He immediately left his studies and hunted down and killed the monster to avenge her death. Here, he straddles the monstrous fish with his entire body, gripping it with both arms and one leg as he attempts to control the thrashing creature. The fish has leapt from the churning water, with white-capped waves crashing against the rocky shore under a driving night rain. An incredible action scene from this classic tale. The fish is wonderfully detailed, treated with a red-orange pigment that has oxidized to a darker tone. This print comes from an extremely rare series illustrating events relating to the life of the great warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune. A great unusual historic subject by Hiroshige.

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Image Size - 9" x 13 1/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. A horizontal crease with some loss at center, repaired from reverse. Some rubbing and soiling at edges. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.