Migita Toshihide, "Tokimune Sneaking into Yoritomo’s Residence"

The story of the "Revenge of the Soga Brothers" is a popular war tale in Japanese history. Like the 47 Ronin, the epic tale centers on the Soga Brothers avenging the death of their father, who was killed by a vassal of the 12th century shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo. The brothers would continue their vendetta and kill a number of samurai. In this triptych by Migita Toshihide, Tokimune (or Soga Goro) is shown sneaking into the castle of Yoritomo in his quest to kill his father's killer, Kudo Suketsune, who cowers under a large piece of fabric. A beautifully detailed and printed work with a dynamic composition.

Date: 1891
Format: Oban Triptych (each sheet approx. 9" x 14")
Publisher: Sasaki Toyokichi
Condition: Album backing, otherwise excellent color and condition

Migita Toshihide (1862-1925) was an apprentice of the great Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and became a prominent artist of historical prints during the Meiji-period, including documenting Japan's wars of empire (senso-e).