Masakiyo Conquers Korea, 1964

Incredible illustration of the conquest of Korea by Sato Masakiyo (the real-life Kato Kiyomasa). In the center, a samurai climbs over the edge of a Korean ship, frightening the sailors who react with alarm, stumbling back in terror or leaping from the front of the boat into the white-capped waves below. At left, a warrior has just decapitated an enemy with a slash of his sword, the severed head flying into the night sky as blood spurts from the gory wound. The samurai stares ahead with grim determination, gripping his sword as he balances atop the railing of the deck. Other Koreans tumble into the frothing sea below, a tangle of legs disappearing into the ocean. A fantastic if rather gruesome image, beautifully detailed and boldly composed. A terrific early Yoshitoshi warrior triptych.

28 3/8" x 14" + margins as shown

With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. Some rubbing and soiling in subject as shown. Some thinning at edges. A few small holes and thinned spots repaired from reverse. Some minor toning at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.