Comments - Fantastic scene from the life of the legendary samurai Kusunoki Masashige, a brilliant strategist and general who fought to restore the exiled Emperor Go-Daigo to the throne. Here, Kusunoki prepares to leave for the great Battle of Minatogawa, leading his men into the field at the emperor's order, knowing that his side faced superior forces and almost certain death. Badly defeated, Kusunoki and his remaining men committed ritual suicide. Kusunoki sits astride his horse with a fierce, determined expression, looking bravely ahead. At right, his eleven-year-old son Masatsura says to goodbye to his father for the last time, holding a scroll with his death poem. Before his left, Kusunoki urged the boy to remain loyal to the emperor. Kneeling at far right, one of his loyal retainers looks down with a heavy heart at the poignant parting. Kusunoki is remembered for his extreme loyalty and self-sacrifice, and a monument to him stands outside the Imperial Palace. A terrific triptych with fine expressive figures and delicate embossing in the white cloth panel at right.
Artist - Nobukazu (1874 - 1944)
Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 1/2" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Slight toning, a few small marks. Please see photos for details.
