Kiyochika: Akechi Samanosuke Mitsuharu Swimming with Horse (SOLD)

Artist: Kobayashi Kiyochika 小林清親
Title: View of the Karasaki Pine as Akechi Samanosuke Mitsuharu Crosses Lake Biwa
Date: March 10, 1899

Akechi Samanosuke Mitsuharu kousui nori uchi zu (View of the Karasaki Pine as Akechi Samanosuke Mitsuharu Crosses Lake Biwa). We see Akechi Mitsuhide in full armor, holding on to his famous horse Okage as he crosses Lake Biwa after the loss of the Battle of Yamazaki in 1582. His standard (battle flag) bearing the kikyo (Chinese bellflower) waves above them. To the left in mist is the Karasaki Pine, and within the landscape to the right is Sakamoto Castle and above it Mount Hira, a portion of one of the famous Eight Views of Omi. Kiyochika was very interested at this time in creating the most subtle and refined effects that were possible with woodblocks, working with his publisher and artisan collaborators. The perfection of the dappling water and the forms glimpsed through the water attests to this collaboration. One of Kiyochika’s finest triptychs, in perfect condition.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed, unbacked. Mint.
Dimensions: ôban triptych (37.3 x 76.3 cm)
Publisher: Seikichi
Literature: Henry D. Smith II, “Kiyochika: Artist of Meiji Japan,” page 97, plate 106 (1988); Kobayashi Kiyochika: “A Retrospective,” page 134, plate 214 (2016); Kobayashi Kiyochika: “Studies of Light and Shadows of the Westernization of Japan,” page 131, plate 188 (2015). 
Signature: Kiyochika hitsu

SKU: KYC212S