Yoshifuji (1828–1889) – Yoshitsune and His Forces Returning in Triumph after the Battle of Yashima - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 500 - € 700
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Original Edo-period woodblock print triptych by Utagawa Yoshifuji, titled Yoshitsune and His Forces Returning in Triumph after the Battle of Yashima, measuring 36 cm high by 73 cm wide in total (three sheets, each about 37 × 25 cm), with private-collection provenance and excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
** A complete impression of this design is held by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, from the collection of William Sturgis Bigelow, who formed most of his Japanese collection while living in Japan in the 1880s. This design was never offered on any international market! **
_______________________________________________________________________________
Artist: Utagawa Yoshifuji (歌川芳藤), pupil of Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Title: 義經八島勝軍歸陣之圖 – Yoshitsune Yashima shōgun kijin no zu (Yoshitsune and His Forces Returning in Triumph after the Battle of Yashima)
Technique: Original woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and colour on paper
Date: 1853 (Kaei 6), 7th month
Publisher: Izutsuya Shōkichi (井筒屋庄吉)
Signature: Ippōsai Yoshifuji ga, on each sheet
Censor seals: Mera and Watanabe (paired nanushi seals), date seal Ox-7
Format: Vertical ōban triptych, three separate sheets, each approx. 37*25cm
Museum reference: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
_______________________________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Impression & Colours: Very good colours and strong impression across the sheets. Woodgrain visible!
Paper: The paper is clean and firm, with some minor soiling. An excellent example of this rare design.
____________________________________________________________
About the Print
The Battle of Yashima was fought in the second month of 1185 on the coast of Sanuki Province in Shikoku, where the Taira clan had established a fortified base after their defeat at Ichinotani. Minamoto no Yoshitsune crossed the strait from Settsu in a storm with only a small force and attacked the Taira from the landward side. The Taira, believing a much larger army had arrived, abandoned their position and fled to their ships. The battle produced several of the best-loved episodes of the Heike monogatari, including Nasu no Yoichi's arrow shot at the fan, and the death of Satō Tsuginobu shielding his lord. A month later the Taira were destroyed at Dan-no-ura.
This triptych shows the victorious return of Yoshitsune's army. The cartouches identify Yoshitsune as Iyo no kami Minamoto no Yoshitsune, surrounded by his named retainers, among them Musashibō Benkei, Ise Saburō, Suruga Jirō, Kamei Rokurō and Kumai Tarō. Note that "shōgun" in the title is written 勝軍, meaning "victorious army", not the military title 将軍.
The print was published in the 7th month of 1853, during a strong wave of Yoshitsune subjects in Edo printmaking; Yoshifuji's teacher Kuniyoshi was issuing his Yoshitsune life series (Hodo Yoshitsune koi no minamoto ichidai kagami) in the same year. Yoshifuji was one of Kuniyoshi's longest-serving pupils and was later best known for his toy prints (omocha-e), which earned him the nickname "Omocha-e Yoshifuji". Large-scale warrior triptychs from his early career are much less common.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
** A complete impression of this design is held by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, from the collection of William Sturgis Bigelow, who formed most of his Japanese collection while living in Japan in the 1880s. This design was never offered on any international market! **
_______________________________________________________________________________
Artist: Utagawa Yoshifuji (歌川芳藤), pupil of Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Title: 義經八島勝軍歸陣之圖 – Yoshitsune Yashima shōgun kijin no zu (Yoshitsune and His Forces Returning in Triumph after the Battle of Yashima)
Technique: Original woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and colour on paper
Date: 1853 (Kaei 6), 7th month
Publisher: Izutsuya Shōkichi (井筒屋庄吉)
Signature: Ippōsai Yoshifuji ga, on each sheet
Censor seals: Mera and Watanabe (paired nanushi seals), date seal Ox-7
Format: Vertical ōban triptych, three separate sheets, each approx. 37*25cm
Museum reference: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
_______________________________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Impression & Colours: Very good colours and strong impression across the sheets. Woodgrain visible!
Paper: The paper is clean and firm, with some minor soiling. An excellent example of this rare design.
____________________________________________________________
About the Print
The Battle of Yashima was fought in the second month of 1185 on the coast of Sanuki Province in Shikoku, where the Taira clan had established a fortified base after their defeat at Ichinotani. Minamoto no Yoshitsune crossed the strait from Settsu in a storm with only a small force and attacked the Taira from the landward side. The Taira, believing a much larger army had arrived, abandoned their position and fled to their ships. The battle produced several of the best-loved episodes of the Heike monogatari, including Nasu no Yoichi's arrow shot at the fan, and the death of Satō Tsuginobu shielding his lord. A month later the Taira were destroyed at Dan-no-ura.
This triptych shows the victorious return of Yoshitsune's army. The cartouches identify Yoshitsune as Iyo no kami Minamoto no Yoshitsune, surrounded by his named retainers, among them Musashibō Benkei, Ise Saburō, Suruga Jirō, Kamei Rokurō and Kumai Tarō. Note that "shōgun" in the title is written 勝軍, meaning "victorious army", not the military title 将軍.
The print was published in the 7th month of 1853, during a strong wave of Yoshitsune subjects in Edo printmaking; Yoshifuji's teacher Kuniyoshi was issuing his Yoshitsune life series (Hodo Yoshitsune koi no minamoto ichidai kagami) in the same year. Yoshifuji was one of Kuniyoshi's longest-serving pupils and was later best known for his toy prints (omocha-e), which earned him the nickname "Omocha-e Yoshifuji". Large-scale warrior triptychs from his early career are much less common.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Height
36 cm
Width
73 cm
Title of artwork
Yoshifuji (1828–1889) – Yoshitsune and His Forces Returning in Triumph after the Battle of Yashima
Condition
Excellent condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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