Endō Morito Approaches Kesa Gozen's Bedroom

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)

DateDecember 7th, 1883

Mediumwoodblock print, ink and color on paper

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund

Terms

Object number2002.166

Label TextEndo Morito (1120-99) was an eighteen-year-old warrior in the service of the emperor. On duty in Settsu province in 1143, he visited his cousin Kesa with whom he had shared a happy childhood. Lady Kesa (Kesa-Gozen) was married to the palace-gate guard Minamoto Wataru, but Morito fell madly in love with her. Unable to approach Kesa directly, Morito threatened her mother, insisting that she induce her daughter to accept his advances. Kesa pretended to give in to Morito's demands-if he would kill her husband. The virtuous Kesa prepared to sacrifice herself by cutting off her hair and by putting her husband's cap next to her bed. Morito, bare-foot with drawn sword and tied-back sleeves and hems, stealthily approached the bedroom, entering through the sliding door that Kesa had purposely left open. He swung his sword at what he believed to be the husband Wataru sleeping by the chrysanthemum screens and hastily carried off the head in his sleeve. The next morning, Morito heard the news of the murder of Lady Kesa and un-wrapped the head, confirming the horrible truth. The remorseful Morito rushed to Wataru and, holding out his sword, begged Kesa's husband to kill him. Too distraught to think of vengeance Wataru simply ordered Morito to leave.ProvenanceThe Katie and Scott McDonald Collection, Rochester, NY

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