Comments - Fantastic scene of Prince Oto-no-Miya Morinaga, the son of the exiled emperor Go Daigo, struggling with the warrior Fuchibe Iga no Kami. In his quest to wrest control of Japan from the emperor, the Shogun Ashikaga Takauji arrested and imprisoned Oto-no-Miya in a cave, finally ordering him killed. Here, the Ashikaga retainer Fuchibe Iga no Kami wrestles with the nobleman, grabbing him around the torso from behind. Morinaga fights valiantly, flinging his arm upwards in attempt to break his enemy's hold, but to no avail. His blue face is a sign of his impending death, and the broken tip of a sword he clenches between his teeth is stained with blood. The floor is scattered with unrolling scrolls alongside the broken blade, and smoke drift upwards from the incense burner on the table at right. A dramatic image with a dynamic composition.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 9 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal center fold. Slight separation and thinning along fold, a few thinning spots and wormholes, repaired. Creasing, slight soiling. Please see photos for details.