1847-1915
Self-made Men Worthy of Emulation: no. 14, Sato Tsuginobu Dying
(Kyodo Risshi no Moto: Sato Tsuginobu)
the series title, Kyodo Risshi no Moto, in a banner above the composition framed by a decorative brocade border, signed Kiyochika with artist's seal Shinsei, with a stylized cartouche on the bottom margin with the design number, 14, the publication date to the right, on todoke Meiji jukyunen gogatsu nijuichika (registered Meiji 19 [1886], May 21st) and to the left, Gako ken shuppan Ryogoku Yoshikawacho 2-banchi Matsuki Heikichi ban, published by Matsuki Heikichi of Daikokuya, 1886
oban tate-e 14 3/8 by 9 3/8 in., 36.4 by 23.8 cm
The scene is at the deathbed of Sato Tsuginobu (d. 1185), a retainer to Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189), the military commander of the Genji family who helped topple the Taira clan during the Genpei War. According to The Tale of Heike, during the Battle of Yashima, Taira no Nortisune fired an arrow at Yoshitsune, but Tsuginobu rode his horse into the line of fire and took the arrow intended for his master. As he lay dying, he proclaimed that his only regret was not living to see Yoshitsune flourish. Yoshitsune kneels by his side, helping him to sit up as he listens to his final words, with he comrades listen from the doorway, overcome with grief.
References:
The Lavenberg Collection of Japanese Prints (myjapanesehanga.com)
Edo Tokyo Museum, accession no. 96200375
(inv. no. 10-3264v)
price: Sold