Yoshitoshi: Yoshitsune Learning Martial Arts from the Tengu King (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
Title: Kurama-yama sojodani {sojokei} ni Ushiwakamaru gekito remma no zu 鞍馬山 僧上蹊 [に] 牛孺麿 撃刀 練磨 之 図 
Date: 1880

The Tengu King, Sojobo, sits on his high throne/nest at right, watching as Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Ushiwaka Maru) trains in swordfighting in his forest hideaway on Mount Kurama. Yoshitsune is sparring with a magical tengu, who are known to be expert swordsmen (swordsbirds?). This type of tengu with beak and wings are known as karasu tengu (crow tengu), and one spars with  him using a stout stick while other tengu attentively watch the action. Yoshitoshi designed an earlier triptych of this same subject, and his teacher Kuniyoshi also designed several triptychs of this scene that were an obvious influence on Yoshitoshi. The full moon and the hidden waterfall add to the supernatural ambiance.

Condition: Very good impression and color. Good condition. Trimmed. Some nibbles near edges and minor hinging remnants, verso.
Dimensions: ôban triptych 35 x 70.5 cm
Publisher: Kobayashi
Literature: Keyes number 434.

SKU: YOCS059