Dog Hunting - Intriguing scene depicting riders practicing archery on horseback by shooting at dogs with special padded arrows. The extreme length of the bow used meant that it was difficult to shift the bow across the horse, so samurai practiced leading their horses to get their victims on the left side, where the bow was held. In the technique called "inuomono," archers practiced positioning their horses to get a clear shot at the dogs. The padded arrows did not kill the dogs. Here, the warrior in the center has just fired an arrow, the dog howling in surprise as he hits his mark. Another warrior gallops around the ring at left, ready to fire, followed by a pack of riders. An observer watches from horseback in the center, waiting in a large circle enclosed with straw rope and tinted with four colors. A lively scene detailed with touches of burnishing and silver mica, and a rarely seen subject from this series.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Faint toning at edges, slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.