Yoshitoshi: Death of the followers of Mitsuhide (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title: Death of the followers of Mitsuhide
Date: 1865, 5th month

The death of the principle followers of Takechi Mitsuhide at the great battle of Yamazaki (Yamazaki ô-kassen Takechi shujû uchijini no zu). Mitsuhide and his followers have run out of options on the bank of the Enmyôji-gawa River. In the distance we see two opposing forces clashing in the dark. In the left panel sits Matsuhide still mounted upon his expired steed and pierced with a jumble of arrows. A gravely wounded standard-bearer suffers from many wounds, including an arrow through his cheeks. The one retainer who does not seem wounded by battle seems to be committing seppuku by taking his knife to his own abdomen, his guts spilling out in a red and gruesome flow. One follower has thrown himself upon the riverbank and ferociously drinks the water. The final man is kneeling before his leader, seeming to ask for guidance. The grasses and marsh plants have been conspicuously planted in our view; perhaps to show the indifference of nature to men’s folly?

Condition: Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Some overall creasing.
Dimensions: ôban triptych
Literature: Keyes number 156 (?). The title is not identical, so it is difficult to say (there is a different characther used for the first part of Yamazaki and there is no “o” in the o-kassen)
Signature: Ikkeisai Yoshitoshi ga

SKU: YOT583