Comments - Terrific illustration from the classic "Tale of the Heike" showing Minamoto no Yoritomo and his men crossing the Sumida River on rafts in August 1180. Exiled to Izu twenty years earlier, Yoritomo learned of a call for the Minamoto to rebel against the Taira, and raised his own troops to join the rebellion. He sits on a folding stool at center, wearing a horned battle helmet and pointing out his directions. Several warriors propel the crafts along using bamboo poles. The operation takes place under the cover of darkness, on rafts made of logs roped together. A wonderful atmospheric scene with fine detail in the expressive figures and armor. A great episode from the life of the first Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 9/8" + left margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three attached panels. Vertical folds. Small loss at edge, a few thinning areas and holes, repaired. Creasing, wrinkling, slight toning and soiling, rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.