Series; The Sixty-nine Post Stations of the Kisokaido Road, 1852 - 1853
Itahana: Onzoshi Ushiwaka Maru, 1852 - Great image of the young Onzoshi Ushiwaka Maru fighting with two tengu in the forest. Winged spirits with bird-like beaks and claws or human faces with long noses, tengu are known for their fencing ability, and they trained Ushiwaka Maru, who becomes the master swordsman and samurai Yoshitsune. He appears to be getting the best of them here, as one tumbles forward onto the ground while the other hides his face behind his hands, cautiously peering out with one eye. The agile boy grips his wooden practice sword above his head with both hands, his red kimono sleeves tied back with a sash. Tree trunks fill the background with a rushing river and waterfall at right. The paulownia-shaped inset at upper left depicts two tiny travelers resting under the pine trees near Itahana. A terrific samurai subject with wonderful detail in the tengu's wings.
Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)
Image Size - 14" x 9 3/4"
Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Thinning spot, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, rubbing at top left. Please see photos for details. Good