From the Taiheiki: Withdrawing from the Middle of the Country, the Battle of Amagasaki, 1863 - Fantastic early Yoshitoshi triptych illustrating the Battle of Amagasaki between the forces of the traitor Akechi Mitsuhide and the followers of Oda Nobunaga. Mitsuhide was a general under Nobunaga, but he betrayed and killed his master, seizing power for a brief period in 1582. He sent the general Akashi Gidayu to intercept Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his men as they returned to Kyoto avenge Nobunaga's death. In this scene, Gidayu is confronted by several samurai loyal to Nobunaga, on the edge of a waterway covered with blossoming lotuses. He thrusts his sword ahead, knocking one attacker to the ground, his eyes blazing. Two samurai thrust spears at him from the left, while at right, a warrior grips a large axe. Across the water, a samurai runs after a runaway horse, which rears on its hind legs. Although Gidayu had a large contingent of men, he was defeated at Amagasaki and committed suicide. An incredible scene with terrific detail in the expressive faces and armor, and a striking natural setting. A great historical subject.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 27 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Three separate panels. A small losses at edges, a few holes, repaired. Slight rippling, a few creases and marks. Please see photos for details.