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KUNIYOSHI, Utagawa (1797 - 1861)		Young YOSHITSUNE fighting BENKEI on Gojo bridge
		Signed:                        Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga Publisher:                   Nunokichi Date:                             1839-41 Size:                             oban diptych (c. 36. 5 x 47. 5 cms / c. 14 1/4" x 18 3/4") Condition: Very good / fine impression and color. A few backed wormholes, slightly trimmed, faint paper creases; fairly good condition. - Rare. Provenance: former B.W. Robinson collection (see ref. below) ref. no.: # 611990 Price:  € 1,350.00

"Kuniyoshi illustrates Ushiwakamaru (better known as MINAMOTO YOSHITSUNE) in the renowned fight between him and the monk Benkei on the moonlit bridge, Gojobashi, in Kyoto. Yoshitsune (1159-89), the son of Tokiwa Gozen, learnt the art of fencing and 'jumping powers' from the tengu king Sojobo. In this scene Yoshitsune defends himself with his fan and by jumping aside, thus turning Benkei's great halberd into an ineffectual weapon. Yoshitsune's coveted sword remains by his side." ('Heroes and Ghosts', op.cit). Compare this depiction of the subject with the  well-known triptych by KUNIYOSHI,  and the dipytch designed by YOSHIFUJI,  a Kuniyoshi pupil, in c. 1854. Reference: B. W. Robinson, Kuniyoshi- The Warrior prints, London, 1982; no. T54 (this print). Schaap/Reigle Newland, Heroes and Ghosts- Japanese prints by Kuniyoshi; Hotei Publishing, Leiden, 1998; cat. no. 21. Raymond A. Bidwell Collection, Utagawa Kuniyoshi; London/ Springfield, Mass.; 1980, cat. no. 94.

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