Kiyochika: Tametomo on the Shore (Sold)

Artist: Kobayashi Kiyochika
Title: Tametomo on the Shore
Series: Episodes from Unknown Japanese History (Nihon gaishi no uchi)
Date: 1884

Minamoto Tameyoshi’s son Tametomo (1139-1170) faces the ocean and its incoming fleet of ships. He was exiled to Izu Oshima, a small volcanic island, after siding on the wrong side of the Hogen Rebellion. There were many stories about Tametomo, one of which is that he must fight off naval attackers sent by the emperor. He was known as an excellent archer, and although his bow-arm tendons were severed prior to exile, they seem to be in fine shape here. The clothing of all the parties is most interesting, as are the examples of bountiful sea life. The meaning behind the carved staff his number one is holding is difficult to surmise. This series seems modeled on Yoshitoshi’s series on the lives of the Emperors. Rare design.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition.
Dimensions: ôban triptych
Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi (?)
Literature: See the Harvard Art Museums for example.
Signature: ---Kiyochika

SKU: KYC318