The Battle of Sanno Shrine, 1874

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

The Battle of Sanno Shrine, 1874 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Battle of Sanno Shrine, 1874

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 depiction of the fierce Battle of Sanno Shrine between shogunate loyalists and Meiji Imperial troops in 1868. Although most Tokugawa forces had already given up, a group of samurai under the leadership of Amano Hachiro had taken up residence at the shrine in Ueno Park, intending to resist. After heavy fighting, the Imperial forces broke through the samurai's defenses, resulting in a massacre and widespread destruction following fires started by artillery rounds. Under a slanting rain, Amano Hachiro confers with a fellow samurai at far right as Meiji forces engage his men in battle. The warrior in the center has the decapitated head of an enemy hanging from his back as a gruesome trophy, while a fellow warrior lies dead on the ground nearby. Red flames and smoke billow into the dark night sky from a fire at left. An amazing scene capturing the violence and brutality of this historic battle, which resulted in the end of the shogunate. Wonderfully drawn with Yoshitoshi's characteristic attention to detail and realistic style. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has this image in its collection. A great choice for a Yoshitoshi collector or a student of military history.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 29 3/4" x 14 1/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. Some light rubbing and soiling at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

The Battle of Sanno Shrine, 1874 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
The Battle of Sanno Shrine, 1874 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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