At the Ataka Border, 1847 - 1852 - Handsome depiction of a legendary episode from the life of the great warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Disguised as yamabushi (warrior monks), Yoshitsune and his men attempted to slip across the border into Kaga Province to escape the wrath of his brother Yoritomo. The nobleman Togashi was charged with intercepting them at the Ataka Barrier. The quick-thinking Benkei stated that they were collecting funds to build a temple, and read a subscription list of contributors from a fake scroll, making up the text as he did so. Here, Benkei reads from the scroll, holding it aloft as Togashi, dressed in blue formal court robes, watches sternly from the verandah at left. Yoshitsune sits behind Benkei, wearing a red robe. Armed guards flank the men, and the butterfly crest of the Taira can be seen on the cloth panels and drapery. An interesting subject, nicely detailed.

Artist - Yoshitora (active circa 1840 - 1880)

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 29 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Remargined at bottom of center panel. Vertical folds. Wormholes, repaired. Rubbing, curling. Please see photos for details.