Comments - Fantastic image of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Ise Saburo Yoshimori, and the warrior monk Benkei listening to two diving women who had attempted to recover the sacred sword of the royal regalia from the seabed after the naval Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185. Following the Taira defeat by the Minamoto, the young Emperor Antoku and his grandmother jumped into the sea, as did Taira no Kiyomori and many of his men. Here, the mother and daughter, Oimatsu and Wakamatsu report on their efforts to the assembled men. Yoshitsune sits on a stool in the center, scowling angrily. His loyal retainer Benkei crouches at right, holding a standard with a black traveling cover over it. Fishing nets are stretched out to dry at left, and blue clouds patterned with stylized waves drift across the background, which also features confetti-like dots. A terrific Kuniyoshi design, beautifully drawn and detailed, with strong graphic impact. The first time we've seen this triptych.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 30 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Stitching holes at one side of each panel, slight separation at ends of vertical fold at side, a couple holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details.