Comments - Fantastic triptych of the young Ushiwakamaru learning to fence with tengu under the direction of Sojobo, the king of the tengu, at Mt. Kurama. Winged spirits with bird-like beaks and claws, tengu are known for their fencing ability, and they trained Ushiwakamaru, who became the master swordsman and samurai Yoshitsune. Gripping a wooden stick with both hands, the young boy leaps on one foot after striking a tengu to the ground below, while crossing weapons with another tengu. The elderly Sojobo watches from the right, sitting on a fur skin, surrounded by more tengu. A seated warrior watches soberly from the left as a creature leaps above him, using his hand to brush aside the feathers scattering down through the air. A fantastic forest setting with a waterfall rushing over rocks at left, framed by the trunks of tall pine trees. An atmospheric design with terrific, imaginative detail in the mythological tengu. A great subject for a collector interested in Japanese folklore.

Artist - Kunitsuna (1805 - 1868)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 28 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Wormholes and losses as shown. Slight toning and soiling, rubbing at edges, a few creases. Please see photos for details.