Comments - Dramatic scene of the samurai Ashikaga Tadayoshi trying to execute his prisoner, Prince Oto no miya Morinaga, the son of exiled Emperor Go Daigo. Ashikaga Takauji wanted to become shogun himself, so he arrested Morinaga and charged his brother Tadayoshi with guarding him. When Hojo troops rebelled against the Ashikaga, Tadayoshi decided to kill Morinaga rather than risk his going free. The prince was imprisoned in a cave, spending his time studying scriptures. Here, he falls backwards onto a straw mat, the scroll he was reading lifted into the air by his leg. Tadayoshi stares down with a grim expression, intent on completing his task. Beautifully realistic figures in a striking setting, nicely detailed with burnishing on the arm guards and embossing on the white kimono and sash.

Artist - Meiji era artist (unsigned)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A few light creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.