Comments - Dramatic depiction of the assassination of Sakuma Shozan, a scholar who studied and embraced Western technology and urged opening Japan's ports to foreign trade. On a mission to Kyoto to deliver a copy of the imperial decree opening the ports, he was ambushed by members of the Higo and Oki clans while his retainers lagged behind him. He was killed and his assassins escaped before his men caught up with him. He is shown here in Western dress, tumbling to the ground as an attacker prepares to behead him, his top hat flying through the air. At lower left, another man has fallen off his bucking horse, bleeding heavily from wounds to his head. A lone signpost atop a stone retaining wall and a dark sky create a lonely and ominous setting for the attack. The day after his death, his killers posted a sign saying that they had killed him because of his traitorous views regarding foreign trade and European studies. The first time we've seen this unusual historic subject. Includes burnishing on the black jacket and top hat.

Artist - Toshimitsu (active circa 1876 - 1904)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. A few small marks. Please see photos for details.