Comments - Incredible triptych depicting a scene from the story of Minamoto no Yorimitsu (called Raiko) and the earth spider. Raiko fell ill with a fever and dreamed of an earth spider preparing to cast a web over him. He struck at it with his sword and immediately recovered from his fever. Here, Raiko's four loyal retainers, known as the Shitenno, have cornered the earth spider it its lair amidst an enormous web, the monster covered with glowing yellow eyes. At upper right, Watanabe no Tsuna holds a flaming torch aloft as he leans forward. Next to him, Sakata no Kintoki strikes the creature with a huge tree trunk, one bare foot perched atop a rock and the other resting on the sticky web. At upper left, Urabe no Suetaka watches with a scowl, gripping his sword. Just below, Sakata no Kintoki leans over and grasps a handful of the thick web. A fantastic natural setting in a dark and ominous cave. A terrific design of this legendary tale by Yoshikazu, who was a student of Kuniyoshi.

Artist - Yoshikazu (active circa 1850 - 1870)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 29 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few holes and thinning spots, repaired. Toning, slight creasing, minor soiling. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.