Comments - Terrific depiction of the Taira commander Kagekiyo attempting to assassinate Minamoto no Yoritomo at the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple in April 1190. Kagekiyo survived the Battle of Dan-o-ura, the decisive defeat of the Taira Clan by the Minamoto. Kagekiyo determined to kill Yoritomo, the leader of the Minamoto, so when he heard that Yoritomo would be visiting Todai-ji Temple in preparation for the reconstruction of the Great Buddha there, he decided to try to kill him while there. Disguising himself in monk's robes, he has made his way into the great hall, where he stops across from Yoritomo, gripping a naginata and glaring over his shoulder at his enemy. At right, a samurai has pulled off Kagekiyo's headdress, tumbling to the ground with it as Kagekiyo's identity is revealed. Samurai dressed in full armor lay in wait for the warrior, some hiding behind one of the giant pillars just inside the temple steps. Other men are lined up in the foreground, at left their arms outstretched at their sides, forming a human barricade. Terrific detail in the architectural setting and the expressive faces of the samurai. A great design Kuniyoshi design. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Stitching holes at one side of each panel, small losses at corners, a few wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.