The Battle of Sanno Shrine, 1874 - Dramatic depiction of the fierce Battle of Sanno Shrine between shogunate loyalists and Meiji Imperial troops in 1868. Although most Tokugawa forces had already given up, a group of samurai under the leadership of Amano Hachiro had taken up residence at the shrine in Ueno Park, intending to resist. After heavy fighting, the Imperial forces broke through the samurai's defenses, resulting in a massacre and widespread destruction following fires started by artillery rounds. Under a slanting rain, Amano Hachiro confers with a fellow samurai at far right as Meiji forces engage his men in battle. The warrior in the center has the decapitated head of an enemy hanging from his back as a gruesome trophy, while a fellow warrior lies dead on the ground nearby. Red flames and smoke billow into the dark night sky from a fire at left. An amazing scene capturing the violence and brutality of this historic battle, which resulted in the end of the shogunate. Wonderfully drawn with Yoshitoshi's characteristic attention to detail and realistic style. A great choice for a Yoshitoshi collector or a student of military history.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 3/4"

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Vertical folds. A few creases. Please see photos for details.