Comments - Great kabuki scene illustrating the famous Battle on Gojo Bridge between the warrior monk Musashibo Benkei and the young Ushiwakamaru, who becomes the famous samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Benkei had stationed himself on Gojo Bridge to collect the swords of any samurai who attempted to cross. When he collected 1,000 swords, he was going to have them melted down and made into one giant sword for himself. Ushiwakamaru instead battled the experienced warrior, and bested him, so Benkei swore to serve him as his retainer. Here, the youth springs lightly through the air, his sword in one hand, blocking Benkei's naginata with his wooden geta clog, waving a fan in his other hand. Benkei grimaces as he lunges at the youth, an arsenal of weapons at his back, including a huge mallet and an axe. Interestingly, this depiction shows the battle taking place in the snow, an unusual detail. A lively depiction of this famous incident.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 19 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Two separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse at edges from previous mounting. Thinning at corner, a few holes, repaired. Creasing throughout. Please see photos for details.