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 young man, he was known as Kinoshita Tokichiro, and this image depicts his first battle at Fujikawa. Just as he reached the battlefield, he discovered that the enemy troops were retreating. He stationed himself in the reeds along the river, waiting for the opportunity to ambush a general. When Ito Hyuga no Kami, the commander of the enemy forces, attempted to cross the river at that point, Tokichiro leapt out at him, stabbing his horse and unseating the rider. He is shown here at the moment of his attack, thrusting his spear into the horse as the wounded animal rears in pain. The general slides out of his saddle, slipping over the side of his mount. On the shore at right, general's retainers rush forward to assist him. A rugged mountain peak rises in the distance against an ominous dark sky, providing a dramatic setting for the confrontation. A wonderfully detailed, expressive triptych and a great samurai subject.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 28"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with thin paper. A few holes, tear at lower right edge of right panel, repaired. Offsetting, slight soiling and creasing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.