Comments - Fantastic illustration of the Battle of Okehazama in 1560 between the forces of Oda Nobunaga and Imagawa Yoshimoto. Despite being seriously outnumbered, Nobunaga's surprise attack on Imagawa's encampment proved victorious. The Imagawa samurai were celebrating their recent victories with sake, singing, and dancing when a sudden rainstorm occurred. Nobunaga's men poured into the camp, and their enemies fled, leaving Yoshimoto's tent undefended. When he emerged, he found himself alone against Nobunaga's troops, and was swiftly beheaded. Here, Imagawa Yoshimoto makes his last stand with his feet firmly spread as he faces a spear thrust at him, drawing his sword back to strike. Another enemy has grasped him around the waist from behind, but the warlord fights on bravely. He wears a fine suit of armor and a horned battle helmet topped with a dragon. A dramatic image of this fateful moment, with a terrific composition and a great atmospheric setting. A fine choice for a samurai enthusiast.
Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Image Size - 14" x 28 1/4"
Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small loss, a couple thinning areas, a few holes, repaired. A few creases, vertical fold in two panels. Please see photos for details.
