Subject: Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源義經) in full armour and surcoat seated on a tiger-skin with his hand on an armrest
Series: Meikô hyaku yû den (Stories of A Hundred Heroes of High Renown)
Robinson: S31.35
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)
Signature: Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and kiri seal
Date: 1843-44
Cens: Muramatsu
Publisher: Izumiya Ichibei
Size: Oban tate-e
Condition: Good impression, fair colour and condition, some marks and staining, centre fold. Retains Japanese album backing
Price: USD 180
The tale of the text
Minamoto no Yoshitsune, known as Kurō Hōgan, was still a child at the time of the Heiji Rebellion when he was separated from his father Yoshitomo. Called Ushiwakamaru, he entered Mount Kurama and learned extraordinary arts.
Later he went down to Ōshū, where he relied upon Fujiwara no Hidehira, and as he matured became highly skilled in the martial arts.
Joining the forces of his elder brother Yoritomo, he took part in the campaign against the Taira. He slew Kumasaka Chōhan, and at the battle of Ichi-no-tani he charged down the steep slope of Hiyodori Pass, routing the enemy.
Up to the final battle at Dan-no-ura, he achieved merit again and again.
However, he fell into discord with Yoritomo, and in the end fled to Ōshū, where, at the Koromogawa, he took his own life.”
Historical
Refer to: The tale of Yoshitsune