Comments - Terrific scene showing Toyotomi Hideyoshi's men sneaking into the Saito's clan's Inabayama Castle. He and his men carried water gourds on their backs, and once inside the fortress, raised the gourds on their spears to signal the outside troops to attack. The daring plan to take the castle was successful due to Hideyoshi's ingenuity and courage, and the gourd became his symbol. Here, the samurai stand in shallow water at an open gate in the most, gesturing towards the warriors waiting on the other side of the stone embankment at upper left. One man holds a spear topped with a gourd. A dramatic image with a striking viewpoint and composition. A handsome early Yoshitoshi musha-e subject.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14" x 19 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two separate panels. Horizontal and vertical folds. Slight separation at end of one fold, repaired. Slight creasing and soiling. Please see photos for details.