Incident at Honno-ji, 1896

Fantastic scene of Oda Nobunaga's last battle at Honno-ji Temple. One of Nobunaga's generals, Akechi Mitsuhide, treacherously attacked his master while he was resting at Honno-ji in an effort to overthrow him. Faced with an overwhelming number of troops, Nobunaga decided to commit suicide. He is shown at right inside the temple, leaning forward as he thrusts a sword into his belly, staring ahead with a determined expression. One of his attackers thrusts a spear through the window as Nobunaga's loyal retainer Mori Ranmaru rushes up to defend his master. The wild-haired young warrior runs barefoot, gripping a spear and wearing a black robe patterned with cranes over a yellow kimono. The battle continues behind them with even his ladies-in-waiting fighting valiantly. Red flames sweep across the night sky, as Ranmaru lit the temple on fire to prevent the enemy from retrieving Nobunaga's body. An incredible composition with beautiful detail in the armor and expressive faces, with burnishing in Ranmaru's black robe and embossing in Nobunaga's white kimono. A terrific depiction of this famous and tragic incident.

13 3/4" x 27 5/8" + margins

With excellent color and detail. Three panels, not attached at the seams and backed with thin paper. A few areas of ink offsetting and rubbing along edges. Two faint diagonal stains in right-hand panel with minor spotting in subject. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.