Kuniyoshi: Minamoto no Yoshi-ie with Bow and Arrow

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)
Title: Warrior Minamoto no Yoshi ie with Bow and Arrow
Series: Stories of One Hundred Heroes of High Renown (Meiko hyaku yu den) 名高百勇傳
Date: Circa 1843

Minamoto no Yoshi-ie (源義家) in resplendent robes, holding a fan and a large bow, looks at an arrow that is stuck in the ground. His outer robe features patterns of phoenixes, and his swords seem to have sharkskin hilts. Minamoto no Yoshiie was so skilled as a warrior that he earned the nickname “Hachiman taro”, or Son of Hachiman, who was the god of war. He fought many battles in the 11th century, but here we see him in a moment of relaxation, probably measuring the distance that he launched an arrow from his bow.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked.
Dimensions: ôban (38 x 26.6 cm)
Publisher: Izumiya Ichibei
Signature: Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga
Literature: Robinson #S31.29. See British Museum online.

SKU: KUY520