Musashibo Benkei, Kurō Hangan Minamoto Yoshitsune

Artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年 (Japanese, 1839–1892)

Publisherpublished by Maruya Tetsujirō 丸屋鉄次郎 (Kobayashi Tetsujirō 小林鉄次郎) (Japanese, 19th century)

Dateearly–mid 1885

Mediumwoodblock print; ink, color, burnishing, and mica on paper

Dimensions36.9 x 24.1 cm (oban)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineHarriet B. Bancroft Fund

Terms

Object number1991.37

DescriptionThe adventures of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159–89) and his faithful companion the warrior monk, Musashibō Benkei (1155–89) are featured extensively in the war epic the Tale of the Heike. A popular figure in dramatic and visual traditions, Yoshitsune is usually depicted as a beautiful youth whose refinement, agility, and bearing contrast with Benkei’s grizzled appearance and demeanor. Here, Yoshitoshi shows the pair closer in age to their actual chronology, pushing the focus from romanticized drama to historical realism.
Label TextThe adventures of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159–89) and his faithful companion the warrior monk, Musashibō Benkei (1155–89) are featured extensively in the war epic the Tale of the Heike. A popular figure in dramatic and visual traditions, Yoshitsune is usually depicted as a beautiful youth whose refinement, agility, and bearing contrast with Benkei’s grizzled appearance and demeanor. Here, Yoshitoshi shows the pair closer in age to their actual chronology, pushing the focus from romanticized drama to historical realism.ProvenanceHuys den Esch, Kerkstraat 6, 6669 DD Dodewaard, The Netherlands

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