The Attack on Great Elder Ii Naosuke outside the Sakuradamon on Ansei 5:3:3, 1873 - Dramatic depiction of the assassination of Ii Naosuke, Lord Hikone. Naosuke had signed the Harris Treaty with the United States in 1858, opening Japan to trade with America, a move that sharply divided the country. He was assassinated by 18 samurai from Mito and Satsuma on March 24, 1860, in an ambush outside the Sakurada Gate at Edo Castle. This scene shows the bloody battle taking place in the snow as Naosuke's retainers fight with swords and spears against the attackers. Many warriors lie wounded or dead in the snow, staining it red with their blood. Abandoned baskets and weapons litter the ground. The stone walls of the castle extend across the background, with the bridge over the moat and entrance gate near the center. Characters are identified with either a yellow or red name cartouche. An interesting record of this historic event, nicely detailed.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 19 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Two separate panels. Horizontal centerfolds. Large losses, repaired. Creasing, wrinkling. Please see photos for details.