This dramatic and highly detailed scene was created by Utagawa Yoshitora, one of the leading pupils of the famous master Utagawa Kuniyoshi. The stylistic influence of his teacher is quite obvious in this warrior print design. The present work is a triptych that actually forms the left half of a monumental six-panel composition (hexaptych). This wide panorama illustrates the tactical attack on the castle of the Akamatsu clan in the early 14th century. The military operation was commanded by the immensely talented general Kusunoki Masashige during the regency of the Emperor Go Daigo, who was trying to reunite and bring peace to the country. Although the commander Masashige himself (identified by his chrysanthemum flower crest) is located on the fourth panel of the original full set and thus not visible here, these three left panels perfectly capture the monumental engineering effort of his troops. They are shown feverishly building dams and filling gabion baskets with earth and stones to flood the enemy stronghold. The complete six-panel set is considered very rare.
#25000350
VISIONS OF THE FLOATING WORLD
From Hokusai and Hiroshige through Kunisada to Koson – 92 catalogue lots containing over 100 original woodblock prints.
