Item Description: This is an authentic Edo-period woodblock print triptych by Utagawa Yoshitora (歌川芳虎, active c.1850-1880s), titled "Hōgen Heiji Monogatari - Ikuhomonmatsu no Kassen" (保元平治物語 郁芳門合戦 / Tales of the Hōgen and Heiji Wars - Battle at Ikuhomon Gate). This dramatic musha-e (warrior print) depicts the fierce combat at Ikuhomon Gate during the Hōgen Rebellion of 1156, one of the pivotal conflicts that marked the beginning of samurai dominance in Japanese history. Utagawa Yoshitora was a talented pupil of the legendary Utagawa Kuniyoshi, known as "the master of warrior prints." Yoshitora inherited his teacher's passion for dynamic battle scenes and specialized in musha-e that captured the intensity and drama of historical conflicts. This triptych showcases his mastery of the genre, with multiple warriors engaged in furious combat featuring prominently named historical figures including Kamakura Akugenta Yoshihira, Saemon no Suke Taira no Shigemori, and Kumagai Jirō Naozane - all legendary warriors from the late Heian period. The composition is characteristic of late Edo period warrior prints: densely packed with action, featuring warriors in elaborate armor with vibrant colors of blue, red, and gold. Each warrior is labeled with cartouches identifying their names and roles, serving both as historical documentation and dramatic narrative. The architectural elements—the imposing gate structure with its dark pillars and panels—provide a dramatic backdrop that anchors the chaotic energy of the battle scene. Yoshitora's work stands out for its attention to armor details, dynamic poses, and the way he captures the tumultuous energy of samurai warfare. The print demonstrates the sophisticated woodblock technique of the late Edo period, with multiple color blocks creating depth and movement. The artist worked under various gō (artistic names) including Ichimōsai, Mōsai, and Kinchōrō, though he is most commonly known as Yoshitora. The print shows period-appropriate aging with wrinkles, soiling, and professional backing, all consistent with authentic Edo-period ukiyo-e. Despite these age characteristics, the colors remain remarkably vibrant, particularly the blues and reds that dominate the warriors' armor. Size Height: 37.5 cm (per sheet) Width: 26 cm (per sheet) Total width when joined: approximately 78 cm Weight: 24 g (total for 3 sheets) Condition The triptych shows authentic period characteristics including wrinkles, soiling, and professional backing, all consistent with genuine Edo-period ukiyo-e. Artist Profile Utagawa Yoshitora (歌川芳虎 Utagawa Yoshitora, active c.1850-1880s) was a dynamic ukiyo-e artist who flourished from the late Edo period through the early Meiji era. A pupil of the renowned Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Yoshitora inherited his master's exceptional talent for musha-e (warrior prints) and quickly established himself as one of the leading artists in this genre. Working under various artistic names including Ichimōsai, Mōsai, and Kinchōrō, Yoshitora began his career in the Tenpō era and continued producing works into the Meiji period. He excelled in depicting historical battles and legendary warriors, creating dramatic compositions that captured the intensity and heroism of samurai culture. His warrior prints often featured multiple figures in complex, action-packed scenes with meticulous attention to armor details and weaponry. Beyond musha-e, Yoshitora was remarkably versatile. During the bakumatsu period, he gained recognition for his yakusha-e (actor prints), particularly large-format ōkubi-e (close-up portraits) published by Nishikishōdō. As Japan opened to the West, he became one of the prominent artists of Yokohama-e, depicting foreign visitors and the exotic atmosphere of the newly opened port city. His works included scenes of Western architecture, foreign customs, and even landscapes of distant lands like America—subjects that fascinated Edo-period Japanese audiences. In the Meiji era, Yoshitora adapted to the changing times by creating kaika-e (civilization and enlightenment prints) showing Japan's rapid modernization, including railway scenes and Western-style buildings. He also produced senso-e (war prints) depicting the Seinan War and other conflicts of the period. By 1868, he ranked second in the nishikie-shi banguke (woodblock print artist ranking), placing him among the era's most popular artists alongside Utagawa Sadahide. Though Yoshitora was famously expelled by Kuniyoshi in 1858 under controversial circumstances, he continued to use the name "Yoshitora" throughout his career, maintaining the artistic lineage connection. His influence extended through numerous pupils including Nagashima Shungyō and Utagawa Torakō, ensuring the continuation of the Utagawa school's warrior print tradition into the modern era. NOTICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.