A Japanese Dealer’s Personal Collection - This print and the others posted with our “Japanese dealer” subtitle are from the personal collection of a leading Japanese dealer. We were fortunate to be able to select a small number of fine pieces from the collection of this prominent Japanese print dealer. The prints in this offering are particularly good, rare and desirable designs that this dealer had set aside for his personal collection. We chose prints that we knew would appeal to Fuji Arts clients. Take some time to explore this fine, small group. These designs are rarely offered!

Comments - Dramatic scene from the famous tale of the Soga Brothers. Here, Soga Goro Tokimune fights one of Suketsune's retainers during the attack on Shogun Yoritomo's hunting camp at the foot of Mt. Fuji. His opponent leaps back on one foot to avoid a slicing blow from Goro's sword under a driving rain. Goro frowns with determination, his wet hair clinging to his face. He wears his trademark blue kamishimo patterned with butterflies over a yellow kimono, his feet bare. A rabbit and fox caught during the hunt rest on the ground at lower left with their paws tied together with rope. The heavy rain falls relentlessly, the drops splashing at they hit the ground. The title "jubangiri" or the "tenth cut" refers to the fact that the brothers were able to kill nine of Suketsune's men, but a tenth retainer killed Soga Juro Sukenari during the battle. A great Kuniyoshi design, rarely seen.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 9 5/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. A few small holes, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.