Kuniyoshi 国芳: Yoshitsune Praticing Swordsmanship with the Tengu 板鼻 (SOLD)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)
Title: Itahana 板鼻: Onzôshi Ushiwakamaru 御曹司牛若丸.
Series: Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidô Road  木曾街道六十九次之内
Date: 5/1852

 In the lair of the Tenju King on the slopes of the wooded and mystical Mount Karuma, the young Yoshitsune spars with two winged tengu using wooden swords. Both of the tengu have dropped their weapons and are clutching at their long noses in pain after Ushiwakamaru has landed a blow there. The place-name Itahana suggests a pun on “Ouch” (Itai) and “”my nose!” (hana). Yoshitsune is one of Japan’s greatest heroes, and it was due to his training with the magical tengu that led to his superior swordsmanship, allowing him to best much larger men (such as Benkei) despite his small stature.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. 
Dimensions: ôban (36 x 24.4 cm)
Publisher: Hayashiya Shôgorô
Literature: See Sarah Thompson’s “The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidô”, figure 15, page 46. See Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, British Museum, Walters Art Museum.  Robinson S74.
Seal: kiri
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga

SKU: KUY598