Tajima no kami Norimasa Playing His Biwa, 1897 - Fantastic scene of the warrior Tajima no kami Norimasa playing his biwa or Japanese lute as a dragon emerges from the dark clouds in the sky above. While pursuing Kisho Yoshinaka during his flight from Kyoto, he stopped on Chikubu Island in Lake Biwa, a site sacred to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Kannon. Here, he stays up all night on the island in the fourth month of 1183, playing his lute. He sits on a low platform, looking down with concentration, absorbed in the music. His armor and a bundle of arrows lean against the pillar behind him. The dragon hovers weightless in the air, yellow and orange flames dancing around him in the mist. A fascinating scene, beautifully detailed, with burnishing in the black court cap and fur shoes, and fine bokashi shading in the night sky.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 28 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Faint horizontal centerfold in each panel. A few tiny holes, repaired. Slight creasing and soiling, a few spots. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.