Matsunaga Hisahide Preparing to Commit Suicide - Fantastic scene of the 16th century daimyo Matsunaga Hisahide preparing to commit suicide. After a lifetime of betrayal and murder in the pursuit of power, the rebellious Matsunaga was cornered by Oda Nobunaga at Shiga Castle. Nobunaga demanded both his head and a precious teakettle. Ever defiant, the elderly warrior smashed the kettle before committing suicide, ordering that his head be destroyed so that it could not become a war trophy. Yoshitoshi captures the angry defiance of the wizened Matsunaga as he flings the teapot into the air, shards scattering everywhere, his last act of rebellion. He sits on a fur rug, a short knife in his other hand, his suit of armor on the floor beside him. A powerful image, beautifully detailed with delicate cloth embossing in the drapery overhead and burnishing in the fur rug.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.