Yoshitoshi 芳年: Honda Heihachiro Tadakatsu and Minamoto Ieyasu 八郎忠勝 徳川三河守源家康

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi  芳年 (1839-1892)
Title: Honda Heihachiro Tadakatsu and Minamoto Ieyasu 八郎忠勝 徳川三河守源家康Series: Chronological Record of the Rule of the Tokugawas  徳川治績年間紀事 初代安国院殿家康公 (Tokugawa jiseki nenkan kiji)  Date: 1877

Lord Ieyasu (Yasukuni-in) stands in a humble hut, his samurai armor seeming almost to be too big for him. Before him kneels the warrior Honda Heihachiro (also called Tadakatsu), who has come to offer assistance during the battle at Magome in 1573. The shogun seems to be having a somber moment, and he looks much less ferocious without his war helmet and with a cooking pot over a smoky fire in the background. He holds a fan, perhaps waving Heihachiro to stand up, or perhaps he is accepting his offer of assistance. Heihachiro kneels, perhaps convincing the shogun of his sincerity as read by the expression on his face. He was known as one of the Tokugawa Four Heavenly Kings, and was famous for fighting in 57 battles without injury as well as for his iconic deer-antler helmet and tonbogiri (”Dragonfly Cutter”) spear. Next to him is a very old man, who points behind them, perhaps indicating that fresh troops are on the way. We see an officer waving his battle fan, and two more samurai are seen behind the standing horse with arms outstretched, rushing in. This is perhaps the turning point in the conflict, the one occurring off of the battlefield. They may also be convincing Ieyasu to escape in order for him to fight again another day.

Condition: Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Some sides have minor trimming.

Dimensions: ôban triptych 36 x 24 cm each sheet
Signature: Taiso Yoshitoshi

SKU: YOT949