Comments - Fantastic illustration of the samurai Nitta no Shiro Tadatsune fearlessly exploring a cave that he and his friends had discovered at Mt. Fuji. Menaced by large flying bats and slithering snakes, he holds his flaming torch aloft as a vision appears to him. At upper left, the deity of Mt. Fuji (or alternately, the Goddess Kannon), emerges from the darkness, two yellow rays of light beaming across the cavern. A halo of light surrounds her head, and a dragon winds its way down into the cave, its tail trailing behind her. Tadatsune watches her intently, as a bat bites at his shoulder and another flutters around the hilt of his sword, while snakes wind around his feet. At right, one of his fellow warriors lies on the ground with a bat attacking his neck, his torch lying at his side. A terrific depiction of this legendary tale, with wonderful detail in the rugged natural setting and a striking composition. A real masterwork by Yoshitoyo and a great choice for the serious collector.

Artist - Yoshitoyo (1830 - 1866)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small holes, one thinning spot, repaired, blends well. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.