Comments - Incredible scene of the night attack at Horikawa from the "Genpei Seisuiki," an extended version of the book "Heike Monogatari" that details the wars between the Genji and Heike Clans. Minamoto no Yoritomo, believing that his brother Yoshitsune was a traitor to him, sent the warrior Tosabo Shoshun and a force of men to attack Yoshitsune's mansion, the Horikawa Palace. Yoshitoshi depicts an incredible scene of carnage, with bloodied warriors filling the foreground. At left, a samurai has been completely sliced in two, blood spraying from both halves of the body as the torso tumbles forward, still gripping its spear. In the center, a warrior steps over the mangled body of a fallen enemy, the ground littered with severed body parts. At right, a samurai leans heavily on his sword as he rests on one knee, bleeding from wounds all over his body, an assailant still holding fast to the white sash around his waist. The battle continues in the background, with warriors clashing with swords and spears, while a general on horseback at upper right directs the fighting with his tasseled command baton. A grisly and sobering image of the carnage of battle. A very early Yoshitoshi warrior triptych, detailed with fine line work and wonderful detail in the armor and weapons.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 29 3/8" x 14" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Some toning in subject. Some wear at edges. Please see photo for details. Good overall.