Kusunoki Masashige

Handsome portrait of Kusunoki Masashige on horseback conferring a nobleman at an encampment in the woods, with samurai kneeling on the ground beside a cloth tent wall hung from the pine trees. Dressed in full armor and wearing a horned battle helmet topped with a demon, he leans over, focusing his attentions on the short man at right wearing a blue and white kimono patterned with the crest of the Kusunoki Clan, which also appears on the red personal standards worn by Masashige and the soldier on horseback at left. Kusunoki was loyal to the exiled Emperor Go-Daigo, and would lead his men into the Battle of Minatogawa on the emperor's order, knowing that that his side faced superior forces and almost certain death. Badly defeated, Kusunoki and his remaining men committed suicide rather than face capture. Kusunoki is remembered for his extreme loyalty and self-sacrifice, and a monument to him stands outside the Imperial Palace. A nice image of this great warrior, with fine bokashi shading in the night sky.

13 3/4" x 27 1/2" + margins

With excellent color and detail. Three panels, not attached at the seams and back with thin paper. Minor ink offsetting and soiling in subject. Please see photos for detail. Nice overall.