Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, (1839-1892)
One Hundred Aspects of the Moon: Mountain moon after rain- Tokimune
(Tsuki hyakushi: ugo no sangetsu - Tokimune)
signed Yoshitoshi with artist's seal Yoshitoshi no in, engraver's mark Enkatsu, and published by Akiyama Buemon, 1885
oban tate-e 13 7/8 by 9 1/2 in., 35.2 by 24.1 cm
Goro Tokimune was the younger and more brash of the two Soga Brothers. Based on historical figures, the Soga Monogatari is one of the most popular themes in literature, drama and ukiyo-e. There were at least twenty-three kabuki plays written about the legend of the Soga brothers. At the height of the story, the brothers steal into the hunting camp of the Shogun Yoritomo in order to carry out the revenge killing of Kudo Suketsune who had murdered their father when they were small children. In this composition, Yoshitoshi depicts Goro with his sword drawn, hiking the sleeves of his robe up to his shoulders, evidently just moments before his bold night attack on Sukestune.
Reference:
John Stevenson, Yoshitoshi's One Hundred Aspects of the Moon, 2001, cat. no. 9
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