Kuniyoshi: Yoshitsune at Horikawa Palace (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Title: Yoshitsune at Horikawa Palace
Series: Ukiyo-e Comparisons of the Cloudy Chapters of Genji (Genji kumo ukiyo-e awase)
Date: 1842-46

Maki-bashira (Cypress Pillar) Kuro Hangwan Yoshitsune clinging to a pillar on the balcony of the Horikawa Palace, watching Tosa-bo Shoshun and his men approach. He seems to be using the pillar as a partial shild against arrows, as he has just released the grip on his fan and put down his weapon. Komae in the shape of a handscroll on the top shows a chapter from “Genji Monogatari,” along with a waka poem that relates to the chapter. Below is the mitate (comparison picture), and the text of the historical background.The Tenpô Reforms were in full swing here, and Kuniyoshi’s prodigious imagination allowed him to create actor portraits that were cloaked as classic stories (as here), but that the audience would have happily been able to recognize.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition.
Dimensions: ôban
Publisher: Iseya Ichibei
Literature: Robinson S45.31.
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga

SKU: KUY493