Yoshitoshi: Guns, swords and smoke (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title: Guns, swords and smoke
Date: 1868/5th month

The Battle of Odai Castle in Shinano Province (Shinshû odaijô kassen no zu). Yoshitoshi brings alive this 16th century battle, fought between the troops of Odai Yorisada and Takeda Shingen. The castle referenced in the title is shown in silhouette far left. The central figure is Yorisada, who clutches at his bloody forehead with one hand and looses the grip of his sword with the other, as he has just been shot in the head. Two decapitated heads are in the foreground, and two corpses with blue complexions lie in pools of blood. Shingen’s troops form a tight phalanx that feels disciplined and impenetrable, while Yorisada’s troops seem scattered and unprepared. Clouds of smoke obstruct most of the background. There are western elements in the depiction of the red garments as well as in the depiction of the mountain upper right.

Condition: Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Wrinkles. Untrimmed and unbacked.
Dimensions: Triptych 36.8 x 76.5 cm
Publisher: Tamaya Sosuke
Literature: Keyes number 218.
Signature: Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu

SKU: YOT682