Young Hideyoshi Demands an Apology from Hachisuka Koroku on Yahagi Bridge - Fantastic Yoshitoshi triptych showing a scene from the life of the great Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who is regarded as Japan's second great unifier. As a child, the young Hideyoshi ran away from an apprenticeship, living as a beggar and sleeping wherever he could find shelter. One night while sleeping on Yahagi Bridge, he was awakened by Hachisuka Koroku and his gang of robbers, who tripped over him in the dark. He is shown here defiantly confronting the ruffians, demanding an apology for waking him, as an elderly man shines a lantern across his face. When questioned by the men, the resourceful Hideyoshi acquitted himself well, and joined the thieves in exchange for food, soon earning admiration for his cleverness and agility. The rogues gather around, glaring at him, armed with an impressive array of weapons, including spears, swords, a hatchet, and a giant wooden mallet. Fantastic detail in the colorful dress of the men, plus wonderfully expressive faces. A handsome composition with the arc of the wooden bridge railing stretching into the distance and a full moon shining in the dark night sky overhead. A great early Yoshitoshi design.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14" x 28 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small loss and thinning at edge, a few holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, slight ink bleeding. Please see photos for details.