Utagawa Yoshifuji, "Kusunoki Masashige Builds His Castle at Mount Kongo"

This wonderful woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshifuji depicts the legendary samurai commander Kusunoki Masashige overseeing the construction of his mountain stronghold at Chihayakutsu on Mount Kongo during the turbulent wars in 14th century Japan. Masashige supported Emperor Go-Daigo against the Kamakura shogunate. The composition is full of energy, with retainers carry blazing torches through the darkness while workers labor on the rough wooden fortifications beneath a deep evening sky. Masashige is shown sitting in the left panel directing the activity with quiet authority as geese descend overhead at dusk.

Date: ca. 1851
Size: Oban Triptych
Condition: Excellent color and condition

Utagawa Yoshifuji (1828-1887) was a pupil of the great Edo-period artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi and is known for his inventive works depicting warriors and other folk heroes in Japanese history. He is also known for his works depicting the changes taking place during the Meiji-era.