Comments - Intriguing battle print showing Minamoto warriors racing down a steep hillside on horseback to attack the Taira fortress of Ichi-no-Tani in 1184. On the shore below, the warrior Kumagai Naozane gallops along on a black horse, chasing after the young Taira samurai Atsumori, who is attempting to escape through the water. The agitated veteran waves his fan at him to stop, his cape billowing out behind him. The young man pauses to look back at him, gripping the reins and wearing a horned battle helmet. According to the "Tale of the Heike," Naozane tearfully beheads the young prince, but promises to say prayers for him, as his own son is the same age. The tragic story of Atsumori's death became the subject of many Noh and kabuki plays. At left, another force arrives by sea, filling the harbor with ships. A lively depiction of this famous battle, with bokashi shading in the water and sky, also in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Artist - Yoshiiku (1833 - 1904)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Vertical fold near left edge of two panels. Small tear at edge, a few small holes, repaired. Slight soiling, faint ink offsetting. Please see photos for details. Good overall.