Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

A famous triptych: The ghosts of the Taira warriors attacking Yoshitsune’s ship in Daimotsu bay. Shows Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-89) aboard his ship Tsukimaru sailing along the coast of Settsu Province at Daimotsu. It was here that the Minamoto and Taira clans clashed and many Taira warriors perished. It is the ghosts of these that rise from the waves to attack Yoshitsune. His men struggle to lower the sail while Yoshitsune’s loyal retainer, Benkei, rubs his prayer beads and offers prayers to the gods of the sea and to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of mercy and the storm abates. Published 1849-51 by Enshuya Hikobei.

A very nice example of this rare print: A number of states exist, the earliest having white lines in the waves lower right. The main differences are with the ghosts. The horns and eyes are removed but the printing and gradation of these varies as well. This impression has the lines but the eyes and horns removed so seems to be an intermediate state between first and second editions. There is no great variation in impression between these states. Very good impression and colour. Slightly trimmed. otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

Status: Sold