Page 186 - 2021 March 16th Japanese and Korean Art, Christie's New York City
P. 186
183 UTAGAWA KUNIYOSHI
(1797–1861)
Nitta no Shiro Tadatsune and
the White Dragon Ghost
Woodblock prints, left and middle sheets
signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, right sheet
signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga, publiched by
Tsujiya Yasubei, circa 1844
Vertical oban triptych: 14¬ x 9√ in. (37.1 x 25.1
cm.) each approx. (3)
$4,000-6,000
Nitta no Shiro Tadatsune was sent by the Emperor to
eliminate the monsters hiding in Mount Fuji. This print
depicts him having bravely advanced into a cave within
the slope of the mountain, where he encounters the
goddess and her dragon. Unlike his retainers (who have
dramatically been overcome and collapsed on the right),
Tadatsune is not afraid, standing defiantly on rocks
whilst drawing his sword ready to defend himself, and
the goddess praises him for his bravery.
