Comments - Terrific scene of Sakai Tadatsugu beating a drum during the Battle of Mikatagahara between the forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu and his ally, Oda Nobunaga, and Takeda Shingen. The defeated Ieyasu managed to retreat to Hamamatsu Castle, but cleverly ordered the gates left wide open and bonfires lit, while Sakai beat the drum loudly. Takeda's pursuing troops were confused, and thinking there must be some trick, did not attack the unattended castle, but camped outside and left the next day. Sakai strikes a bold pose in the center, gripping a drumstick, as the weary general sits on a folding stool at right holding a shallow cup of sake. Flame and smoke rise from a fire on a small stand in the drum tower, while a huge bonfire lights up the dark night sky. Warriors returning from the battlefield gather below, one flying a red banner with the Oda Clan crest on it. A dramatic composition with wonderfully detailed figures and rich color. A great subject for a samurai enthusiast.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14" x 28"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few wormholes and holes, repaired. Creasing, slight soiling, a few stains, slight rubbing. Please see photos for details.