Odai Matarokurō Sets Fire to His Palace and Dies in the Flames Terrifying the Enemy Troops with His Courage

Odai Matarokurō Sets Fire to His Palace and Dies in the Flames Terrifying the Enemy Troops with His Courage

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

Date12th month 1866

Mediumwoodblock print, ink and color on paper

ClassificationsPrints

MarkingsDate: 1866, twelfth month

Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund

Terms

Object number2002.221

Label Text2003-04-03: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japanese, 1839-92) Odai Matarokuro Sets Fire to His Palace and Dies in the Flames Terrifying the Enemy Troops with His Courage 1866, twelfth month Woodblock print; ink and color on paper; oban triptych Alexander H. Bullock Fund, 2002.221 Odai Matarokuro Yorisada is believed to have been one of many brave samurai generals in Shinano province who lost their lives fighting the unstoppable warlord Takeda Shingen. Rather than simply surrendering, Matarokuro set fire to his castle and remained at its gateway, preventing the enemy troops from entering. Fearlessness in the face of death in battle as well as honorable suicide (instead of ignoble capture) were respected samurai ideals. Enemy foot soldiers, some with matchlock guns (teppo), are here seen fleeing, frightened by raging flames anProvenanceThe Katie and Scott McDonald Collection, Rochester, NY

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