Comments - Incredible depiction of the great warrior and martial artist Miyamoto Musashi driving out a "mountain shark" (yamazame) from the caves of Mt. Anama in Noshu (Mino) Province. The mountain shark is actually an enormous crocodile, shown leering and baring its many sharp teeth at right, threatening the samurai with its scaly claws. Musashi firmly stands his ground on an outcropping overlooking a waterfall, jabbing at the creature with a bamboo spear. At left, an agitated man motions for Musashi to stop, a worried expression on his face. Another group of men watch from a high cliff at top center. A fantastic design with wonderful detail and shading in the crocodile, its tail winding up into the landscape at left, and a rugged outdoor setting. An intriguing subject.

Artist - Yoshikazu (active circa 1850 - 1870)

Image Size - 28 1/8" x 13 1/2"

Condition - This triptych with excellent color and detail. Three panels attached at the seams. Some wrinkling and creasing in subject. A few small holes and losses repaired from reverse. Partially backed with old paper. A couple spots and stains in subject. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.