Utagawa Kuniyoshi, "Ghost of Akugenta Yoshihira at Nunobiki Waterfall"

In the middle of the 12th century, Akugenta Yoshihira of the Minamoto clan led a brief rebellion against the Emperor (Go-Shirakawa) and forces of the Taira clan. During the conflict which came to be known as the Heiji Rebellion (the grievances of which laid the foundations for the Genpei War starting in 1180), Yoshihira of the Taira is killed and decapitated by Nanba Jiro. One day, as Nanba Jiro visits the waterfalls of Nunobiki, the spirit of Yoshihira is said to appear to exact his revenge in the form of a spirit discharging lightning. Nanba Jiro is killed while forces of the Taira clan look on in horror. 

In this scarce design by Kuniyoshi, Yoshihara appears on a cloud of flames in the middle panel while lightning bolts cut through the entire composition. Nanba Jiro is shown falling backwards as Taira no Kiyomori and his retainers look on. A spectacular piece exemplifying Kuniyoshi's unique talent in elevating history and mythology from popular Japanese stories into a visual spectacle. 

Date: 1825
Size: Oban Triptych
Publisher: Daikoku-ya Heikichi
Condition: Excellent color and condition

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) is one of Japan's greatest masters of ukiyo-e printmaking from the Edo period. Many of Kuniyoshi's works are regarded today as archetypes of woodblock prints produced during the Edo period and highly prized by collectors.

Custom matting available for triptych prints. Sizes will be determined for best presentation in consultation with customer - overall size range will be 20" - 22" (height) X 38" - 40" (width). Note that additional shipping charges apply (sorry, no international shipping available for matted triptychs).