Yoshitoshi: Shizugatake

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536 - 98), one of the great figures of Japanese history, was the second of the three unifiers, the military leaders that unified Japan in the sixteen century. From a humble background, Hideyoshi joined the army of Oda Nobunaga, where he distinguished himself at several instances. After the murder of Nobunaga (see previous print) he avenged his death. However, it was only after a short a period of civil war did Hideyoshi manage to inherit Nobunaga's position. The decisive moment of this war was the Battle of Shizu Peak (Shizugatake).

The print shows Hideyoshi, identified through its famous war helmet (which bursts out of border), when he signals the attack by blowing a giant shell trumpet. The print main distinction is the dramatic composition, suggesting an overall ascending movement (created through the unusual placement of the cartouche), which is well underlined by the moon reflection in the water and by the strong contribution of the bursting helmet.

Id	EMC015
Artist	Yoshitoshi Taiso (1839-1892)
Series	Tsuki hyakushi - One hundred aspects of the moon
Title	Hideyoshi - Shizu Peak Moon (print #66 of series)
Signature	Yoshitoshi
Seal	Taiso
Publisher	Akiyama Buemon
Date	25/10/1888
Format	Oban Tate-e
Dimensions	24,6 x 36,0 cm
Impression	Very good
Colors	Very good
Preservation	Very good
Condition	Meiji album backing, slightly dirty