The Battle of Honnoji Temple, 1883 - Dramatic scene from the Battle of Honno-ji in 1582 where the great Oda Nobunaga was forced to commit suicide by the treacherous Akechi Mitsuhide. Nobunaga was resting at Honno Temple when his retainer Mitsuhide attacked him in an attempt to seize power. Outnumbered and surrounded, Nobunaga committed suicide while his loyal samurai Mori Ranmaru set fire to the temple and fought off the attackers before killing himself. Here, Ranmaru plants one foot firmly on the railing for support as he thrusts his spear at Yasuda Sakubei, who instead grabs the weapon and holds on as he begins to tumble backwards, one foot finding a hold on the stone wall below. At upper right, Lady Ano sends an enemy sprawling with her naginata. A terrific action scene with a striking composition and excellent detail in the armor and faces.

Artist - Toyonobu (1859 - 1886)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 18 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels, backed with paper. Very slight curling at sides. Please see photos for details.