The Great Battle of Yashima, 1857 - Great depiction of the Battle of Yashima between Taira and Minamoto forces. Minamoto troops are massed along the coast at upper right, with a general sitting on a black horse waving his tasseled command baton, a standard bearing the paulownia crest of the Minamoto clan flying overhead. Just below, two samurai confront each other on horseback, the warrior on the dappled horse thrusting his sword forward as he charges, while his opponent grips his weapon overhead with both hands. In the center a samurai on foot attacks a fallen enemy with his sword, a dying horse lying on the ground behind him. At left a fierce warrior grips a severed head by the hair, his broken sword in his other hand. At upper left, the Taira flagship with a magnificent dragon prow and a canopy bearing the Taira butterfly crest can be seen. The crashing waves create a dramatic setting for the scene.

Artist - Yoshikazu (active circa 1850 - 1870)

Image Size - 14" x 28 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Large losses and holes, repaired. Slight rubbing and curling, vertical folds, a few creases. Please see photos for details.