Japanese Original Woodblock Print Tsukioka Yoshitoshi "Moon at Yamaki Mansion - Kagekado" from the series "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" -Publisher: Akiyama Buemon (Kokkeido) - Seals: Taiso, Enkatsu to - Signature: Yoshitoshi - 1886
Size: Height 35.5cm, width 24cm
Condition: Overall very good condition, there is a barely visible a cut in the central part of the print.
Object literature: The warrior Kato Kagekado thrusting out his helmet to deceive Yamaki Kanetaka, in the eighth month of 1180.
This stunning Yoshitoshi print illustrates the story of Kagekado, a loyal retainer of the Minamoto clan leader. In this scene, Kagekado has been sent to eliminate a leader of the rival Taira clan and destroy his mansion. Kagekado cleverly uses deception to his advantage. Seeing Kanetaka's shadow through a sliding door, he places his helmet on the end of his spear. Kanetaka, mistaking the helmet for Kagekado's head, strikes at it, leaving himself vulnerable. Kagekado seizes this opportunity and kills Kanetaka with his spear.
The print is a visual masterpiece, featuring exquisite burnishing on the black lacquer architectural elements and the black court cap. Additionally, there is intricate embossing on the headband and white stripes of the pants, enhancing the overall beauty of the artwork.
See British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1906-1220-0-1465