Soga Goro Tokimune Gallops Bareback to Ōiso

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

Artisttitle calligraphy by Hogetsu, Morita (Japanese)

DateDecember 15, 1885

Mediumwoodblock print; ink and color on paper

DimensionsOban Triptych: 37.5 × 76.8 cm (14 3/4 × 30 1/4 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund

Terms

Object number2002.241

DescriptionA popular subject for literary and theatrical dramatization, the Soga brothers, Itō Sukenari Jūrō (1172¬–93) and Itō Tokimune Gorō (1174–93), sought revenge against Kudō Suketsune for their father’s death. Suketsune was a retainer of the shogun Minamoto Yoritomo (1147–99), and the brothers set out to kill him during a hunting party near the base of Mt. Fuji. Though their vengeance was successful, Sukenari was killed and Tokimune captured. Here, Tokimune rides to Ōiso, near the hunting party, to join his brother and enact their vengeance. Eyes crossed in a gesture of concentration, the calligraphic quality of the lines conveys the swiftness of his journey.
Label TextA popular subject for literary and theatrical dramatization, the Soga brothers, Itō Sukenari Jūrō (1172¬–93) and Itō Tokimune Gorō (1174–93), sought revenge against Kudō Suketsune for their father’s death. Suketsune was a retainer of the shogun Minamoto Yoritomo (1147–99), and the brothers set out to kill him during a hunting party near the base of Mt. Fuji. Though their vengeance was successful, Sukenari was killed and Tokimune captured. Here, Tokimune rides to Ōiso, near the hunting party, to join his brother and enact their vengeance. Eyes crossed in a gesture of concentration, the calligraphic quality of the lines conveys the swiftness of his journey.ProvenanceThe Katie and Scott McDonald Collection, Rochester, NY

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