Snow Like Falling Blossoms by the Water, 1871 - Fantastic triptych showing the assassination of the Chief Minister Ii Naosuke outside Edo Castle in 1860. Ii had supported the succession of the twelve-year-old Tokugawa Iemochi to Shogun upon the death of Tokugawa Iesada, rather than Lord Mito's son Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu, angering the Mito Clan. Then, acting without the Emperor's consent, Ii signed the Harris Treaty with the United States, opening Japan up to trade with the West. These insults could not be accepted, so one winter morning, seventeen Mito samurai waited in the snow for Ii to arrive at the Sakurada Gate of the castle. At left, the avengers grapple with the minister, grapping him by the arms and hair as he screams and struggles. Others fight his retainers with swords, leaving their enemies bleeding in the snow. A fascinating historic scene, skillfully drawn with great expressive figures.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14" x 18 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse at top edge of one panel from previous mounting. Vertical fold. A few wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, stains, a few creases. Please see photos for details.