Kuniyoshi: The tengu defending Yoshitsune on Gojo Bridge (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Title: The tengu defending Yoshitsune on Gojo Bridge
Date: 1847-1850

Heike no kyôshaku akugyaku. The great warrior Benkei is discomfited by a group of mystical tengu who are coming to the aid of Ushiwakamaru (Yoshitsune) on Gojo Bridge. Benkei in this scene is already a famous warrior with superhuman strength, and he is embarrassed to be defeated by the much younger and smaller Ushiwakamaru, seen here wearing geta and almost feminine attire. The two later join forces. Kuniyoshi depicted this scene numerous times, as did Yoshitoshi.

The full title: Disgusted by the Arrogant Misdeeds of the Taira, Sojobo of Mount Kurama and the Rest of the Eight Tengu Become Close Companions of Ushiwakamaru and Recruit Heroes as His Followers in Order to Restore the Minamoto Clan (Heike no kyôsha akugaku o nikumi Kuramasan no Sôjôbô o hajime shosan no hachi tengu Onzôshi Ushiwakamaru no kagemi ni soi Genke no saikô o kuwadateru ni zuijû no eiyû o fukusashimuru zu)

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Slight trimming.
Dimensions: ôban triptych
Publisher: Enshû-ya Hikobei
Literature: Listed in Robinson #T194. MFA, Kuniyoshi & Kunisada (2016), #16; Chiba City Mus., Ukiyo-e ni egakareta kodomotachi (2014), #275; Marks, Japanese Woodblock Prints (2010), pp. 140-1; NHK, Yoshitsune ten (2005), #182; Robinson, Kuniyoshi: The Warrior-Prints (1982), list #T194.
Seal: Censor’s seals Murata-Mera
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga with his paulownia

SKU: KUY477