Comments - Fantastic original Yoshitoshi triptych of the young Ushiwakamaru learning to fence with tengu under the direction of Sojobo, the king of the tengu, at Mt. Kurama. Winged spirits with bird-like beaks and claws, tengu are known for their fencing ability, and they trained Ushiwakamaru, who becomes the master swordsman and samurai Yoshitsune. Balancing on one knee, the young boy sends an opponent tumbling backwards with a blow from his wooden pole. Another tengu flies upside-down above his head. The elderly Sojobo watches from the right, waving a fan as smoke drifts past from a roaring campfire. A fantastic forest setting among craggy rocks and a waterfall adds to the mysterious atmosphere. A great image from the life of this legendary Minamoto warrior.
Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Image Size - 14" x 28 5/8" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels. Remnants of paper hinge mounts on reverse at top corners. A few small holes, repaired. Creasing and wrinkling, slight soiling, slight thinning at side, staining at edges. Please see photos for details.