Comments - Incredible illustration of the conquest of Korea by Sato Masakiyo (the real-life Kato Kiyomasa). In the center, a samurai climbs over the edge of a Korean ship, frightening the sailors who react with alarm, stumbling back in terror or leaping from the front of the boat into the white-capped waves below. At left, a warrior has just decapitated an enemy with a slash of his sword, the severed head flying into the night sky as blood spurts from the gory wound. The samurai stares ahead with grim determination, gripping his sword as he balances atop the railing of the deck. Other Koreans tumble into the frothing sea below, a tangle of legs disappearing into the ocean. A fantastic, if rather gruesome, image, beautifully detailed and boldly composed. Includes burnishing in the black hull of the boat. A terrific early Yoshitoshi warrior triptych.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14" x 28 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Loss at center left edge of center panel (mostly in margin), slight thinning at sides, a few small holes, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details.