Akashi Gidayū
Artist
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡 芳年
(Japanese, 1839–1892)
DateApril 18, 1890
Mediumwoodblock print; ink, color, embossing, and burnishing on paper
DimensionsOban: 35.8 × 24.7 cm (14 1/8 × 9 3/4 in.)
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund
Object number2002.201
DescriptionAfter arranging Oda Nobunaga’s assassination, Akechi Mitsuhide dispatched Akashi Gidayū to deal with those still loyal to the old warlord. But Gidayū failed, and taking personal responsibility for the defeat of his troops, he decided to perform ritual disembowelment (seppuku), the honorable form of suicide for members of the samurai class. His famous and haunting death poem is written on the paper before him and reproduced in the inscription at the top right. In the soft glow of the lamplight the painted tiger rears up behind him in a gesture of martial courage. “As I am about to enter the ranks of those who disobey – ever more brightly shines the moon of the summer night.”
Label TextAfter arranging Oda Nobunaga’s assassination, Akechi Mitsuhide dispatched Akashi Gidayū to deal with those still loyal to the old warlord. But Gidayū failed, and taking personal responsibility for the defeat of his troops, he decided to perform ritual disembowelment (seppuku), the honorable form of suicide for members of the samurai class. His famous and haunting death poem is written on the paper before him and reproduced in the inscription at the top right. In the soft glow of the lamplight the painted tiger rears up behind him in a gesture of martial courage. “As I am about to enter the ranks of those who disobey – ever more brightly shines the moon of the summer night.” ProvenanceThe Katie and Scott McDonald Collection, Rochester, NY
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