Yoshu Chikanobu: Minamoto no Yoshiie and Abe no Sadato

Artist: Yoshu Chikanobu (1838–1912) Subject: Depicts the legendary exchange of linked verse poetry (renga) between the samurai Minamoto no Yoshiie and his rival, Abe no Sadato, during the Former Nine Years' War (1051–1062). Period: Meiji period (1868–1912), circa 1892. Technique: Triptych of woodblock prints (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper. Composition: Left panel: Abe no Sadato looks back over his shoulder at his pursuer. Center panel: Minamoto no Yoshiie gallops on his horse, holding his bow and arrow. He is shown wearing a fine suit of armor with the Buddhist deity Fudo Myoo on the chest plate. Right panel: Two samurai follow Yoshiie, one with a standard and the other with a spear, with the Koromo River in the distance. Significance: Chikanobu was a notable artist of the late Ukiyo-e period, capturing the transition from the Edo to the Meiji era. This piece is a powerful example of musha-e (warrior prints), which were popular at the time. The dramatic narrative is well-composed and rendered with vivid colors and detail. Condition: In good condition, with strong color and detail. This piece is backed and mounted within a modern frame. Please see photos for detailed condition.