Comments - Fantastic triptych of the great warrior Kato Kiyomasa (here referred to as Masakiyo), and his men hunting tigers in Korea. The samurai leans over a rocky crag at right, fearlessly jabbing at one of the animals, stabbing at the tiger's head with his pole arm, which has a broken blade. In the center, a tiger pounces upon another attacker, snarling and clawing ferociously, baring its fangs. At lower left, a tiger swipes its paw out of the rushing water as a samurai grips his sword overhead with both hands, ready to strike. Other tigers and a spotted leopard prowl the mountainside in the background, as samurai rush at them with spear and sword ready. A full moon glows softly in the dark night sky overhead, trees silhouetted in gray along the horizon. A dramatic scene full of energy and action, with wonderful detail in the armor and tigers' fur. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. A great samurai subject.

Artist - Yoshikazu (active circa 1849 - 1867)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 29 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Loses at edges, a few wormholes, repaired with backing. Toning, slight soiling, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.