Mirror of Famous Generals of Japan - Yoshitoshi designed this fantastic series of fifty-one prints of military heroes from 1876 to 1882. These dramatic images of famous warriors created a sensation with the Japanese public. Full of violence and intense emotions, Yoshitoshi's bold and innovative compositions tackled a historic subject using a modern style. His realism and drafting skill captured the important legacy of these national heroes at a time when Japan was struggling with the aftermath of the Satsuma Rebellion. Classic Yoshitoshi images, these dynamic prints are a great choice for collectors.

Nitta no Yoshisada, 1876 - Terrific, original Yoshitoshi image of Nitta no Yoshisada, a former general of the Hojo army and supporter of Emperor Go-Daigo. When Emperor Go-Daigo escaped from captivity, Yoshisada allied himself and raised an army to fight the Hojo clan, his former allies. As they marched on the Hojo stronghold in Kamakura, they found themselves trapped on a narrow stretch of sand, between high cliffs and Hojo boats full of archers. Yoshisada prayed to the gods of the sea and cast his sword into the water to show his sincerity. When the sun rose, the tide retreated out far, leaving a pathway along the sand towards Kamakura. Nicely detailed with fine bokashi shading in the water and sky, and embossing on the white pennant at upper right and the white cloth over the shoulders of the kneeling samurai below.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 3/8"+ margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal and vertical folds. Small hole, repaired. Creasing, slight soiling, a few stains. Please see photos for details.