Chibata Shurinoshin Tatsuie (Shibata Shurinosuke Katsuie) - Fantastic Kuniyoshi portrait of Shibata Katsuie, a powerful 16th century warlord in Owari Province. Ordered to guard Chokoji Castle while his master Nobunaga was away campaigning, Katsuie and his 400 men were besieged by Rokkaku Yoshikata's 4000 troops, who quickly cut the aqueduct supplying water to the fortress. When the water supply dwindled, Katsuie gathered his men and destroyed the few remaining water jars, declaring that a quick death in battle was better than a slow death by thirst. They then launched a surprise assault against their attackers, successfully driving them off. The warrior strikes a dramatic pose, leaning on his spear and standing with one foot on a large broken clay water jar, the shards scattered on the ground around him. He wears beautifully detailed armor and his personal standard waves above his back. A terrific samurai image.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal and vertical folds. A few wormholes, repaired. Toning and soiling, slight rubbing near edges, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.