Comments - Dramatic portrait of the samurai Sasaki Takatsuna about to kill an enemy. He kneels atop his foe, who sprawls backwards over a rock, preparing to thrust his sword into the victim's throat, a determined expression on his face. He wears a green vest over his armor and a black court cap, a quiver of arrows at his back. The scene takes place along the shore with undulating water at lower right and above. A border of clouds and a pine tree frame the image at top. Takatsuna was a commander during the Genpei War between the Minamoto and Taira clans, and is perhaps best known for the famous horse across the Uji River to be the first to engage the enemy during the Second Battle of Uji. A great early 19th century design, probably by an artist of the Katsukawa School.

Artist - Edo era artist (unsigned)

Image Size - 14" x 27 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Small loss and tear at edge, repaired. Slight toning and creasing, a couple small paper inclusions. Please see photos for details.