Comments - Fantastic samurai battle triptych showing Kusunoki Masashige and his men attacking a castle. Dress in full armor and wearing a horned battle helmet topped with a dragon, Kusunoki rushes in from the right, accompanied by samurai on foot wielding sword and spears, standards and banners flying. An enemy tangles with a fallen warrior in the center, still gripping his spear as he falls backwards onto the ground. At left, a rider turns in his saddle, raising his sword above his head, ready to strike a blow as he gallops past the attackers. The fortress behind them is engulfed in flames as smoke pours from the walls, filling the sky. A great triptych with terrific detail in the figures and weapons, and a dramatic setting. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. The great Kusunoki fought for the exiled Emperor Go-Daigo during the period of Northern and Southern courts in Japan, and is famed as the ideal of samurai loyalty, courage, and devotion. A fine subject for a collector interested in the samurai tradition.

Artist - Yoshikazu (active circa 1850 - 1870)

Image Size - 28 3/4" x 14"

Condition - This triptych with excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. Backed with old paper. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.