Comments - Fantastic triptych showing a scene from the life of the great Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who is regarded as Japan's second great unifier. As a child, the young Hideyoshi ran away from an apprenticeship, living as a beggar and sleeping wherever he could find shelter. One night while sleeping on Yahagi-bashi Bridge, he was awakened by Hachisuka Koruku Masakatsu and his gang of robbers, who tripped over him in the dark. The resourceful Hideyoshi acquitted himself well in answering their questions, and joined the thieves in exchange for food, soon earning admiration for his cleverness and agility. He is shown here sitting on his straw mat in the middle of the bridge as the ruffians confront him, Masakatsu shining a lantern at him that sends a shaft of orange light across the scene. He frowns up at them defiantly, grasping his sword in his hand. Masakatsu wears a black vest patterned with a dragon over his armor, a blue sash tied around his forehead with his hair sticking out wildly around it. The men are armed with an impressive array of weapons, including, swords, clubs, an enormous hatchet, and a giant wooden mallet. Fantastic detail in the dress and weapons, along with expressive faces and wonderful handling of the effect of light from the lantern. A great illustration of this legendary event.

Artist - Yoshimori (1830 - 1884)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Vertical center fold in each panel. A few small holes and a couple small losses, repaired, blends well. Slight creasing, very slight rubbing edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.