A Chronicle of the Rise and Fall of the Genji and Heike - Chikanobu's 1885 series "A Chronicle of the Rise and Fall of the Genji and Heike" depicts some of the most famous samurai and events of the bitter Genpei War between the rival Genji (Minamoto) and Heike (Taira) clans from 1180 to 1185.The war ended with the fall of the Taira and the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate under Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1192. These lively and colorful scenes document heroic warriors and daring feats along with a few quieter moments, each beautifully detailed with a handsome setting for the expressive figures. Many feature deluxe embellishments such as embossing or burnishing. A rarely seen Chikanobu historic series and an interesting complement to his more widely known series.

Yoshitsune at the Ataka Border, 1885 - Handsome depiction of Yoshitsune and his followers fleeing from his brother Yoritomo, who had accused him of treason. Disguised as monks with Yoshitsune dressed as a porter, they made their way north, where they were stopped at the Ataka Border by Lord Togashi. When the nobleman suspected Yoshitsune's real identity, his loyal retainer Benkei slapped and scolded him, something no retainer would ever do to his master, and Togashi allowed them to pass. Her, they pause atop a hill, the young Yoshitsune kneeling with his hat in hand. The other men are in the guise of yamabushi or mountain priests, wearing small black caps and distinctive stoles adorned with pompoms. A flock of geese can be seen in silhouette descending for the night, and a rosy glow spreads along the horizon beyond distant mountains. An attractive illustration of this legendary incident, which became the subject of Noh and kabuki plays. Includes burnishing on the black caps and the black lacquer area on the beauty's hat.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. A few small repairs and creases. Please see photos for details.