Comments - Great image from the Zenkunen or Former Nine Year's War of Hachimantaro Yoshiie (Minamoto no Yoshiie) chasing his enemy, Abe no Sadato along the Koromo River after forcing him from his castle there. According to legend, the pair famously engaged in a renga or linked verse exchange during the pursuit, after which Yoshiie allowed Sadato to escape. At left, Sadato looks back over his shoulder at his pursuer. In the center, Yoshiie gallops along on a dark gray horse, grasping an arrow and his bow in one hand while holding the reins with the other. He wears a fine suit of armor with an image of the Buddhist deity Fudo Myoo on the chest plate, over a red brocade robe and pants, his helmet topped with a dragon. Two barefoot samurai follow hurry past the tree behind him, one carrying a waving standard while the other holds a spear. The Koromo River can be seen rushing over the falls in the distance. A handsome illustration of this legendary episode, nicely composed and wonderfully detailed.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 1/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, ink offsetting. Please see photos for details. Good overall.