Antique Japanese Original Woodblock Print Triptych by Sadahide -Kagekiyo Attempts to Assassinate Yoritomo- c. Presented is a beautiful Japanese full oban-size woodblock print – diptych- created by the renowned artist of the late Edo period, Utagawa Sadahide (1807 – 1879), Sadahide was a woodblock print artist active during the 19th century. Working in both Edo and Yokohama, he was one of Kunisada’s most accomplished pupils. His compositional style was greatly influenced by Western art, offering extensive studies of perspective, sometimes depicting his subjects from a bird’s-eye view. Sadahide was one of eleven Japanese printmakers who exhibited their work at the Paris International Exposition of 1866, from which he received the Le? Gion d’Honneur. This print is a triptych – a three-sheet print called “Kagekiyo Attempts to Assassinate Yoritomo at the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple”. Terrific depiction of the attempted assassination of Minamoto no Yoritomo by the Taira commander Kagekiyo on the grounds of Todaiji Temple in April 1195. After Kagekiyo survived the Battle of Dan-o-ura, the decisive defeat of the Taira Clan by the Minamoto, he was determined to kill Yoritomo, the leader of the Minamoto. When he heard that Yoritomo would be visiting Todaiji Temple in preparation for the reconstruction of the Great Buddha there, he decided to try to kill him while he was there. The bold warrior is shown at right, wielding a naginata with both hands, knocking retainers down left and right. Atop the stone stairs, a nobleman in court dress points accusingly at the attacker with his fan. Yoritomo can be seen seated inside the temple on the left, wearing a green robe patterned with the Minamoto paulownia symbol and a tall yellow cap. The warriors beside him watch with angry expressions, and additional samurai come running from around the right side of the building to defend their leader. Kagekiyo’s plan failed, and he managed to escape. The print was made using the Japanese woodblock technique in 1847 during Sadahide’s lifetime. All three sheets of the triptych are signed with Sadahide’s signature “Gyokuransai Sadahide ga” (on each sheet) and stamped with the publisher’s seal of Yamamatoya Heikichi (Eikyudo). AUTHOR: Utagawa Sadahide PUBLISHER: Yamamatoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) TITLE: “Kagekiyo Attempts to Assassinate Yoritomo” PAPER. Paper METHOD OF PRINTING: Woodblock printing PRINTED: Lifetime printing circa 1847 PRINT SIZE: Three sheets 14″ X 9.3″ (28″ X 14″ altogether). The condition is good. Great detail and colors, some toning and soiling of the paper. Several holes were repaired on the back. The prints are backed with washi paper. Please see the photos for the detailed conditions. Get Supersized Images & Free Image Hosting. Attention Sellers – Get Templates Image Hosting, Scheduling at Auctiva. Track Page Views With.
