RARE ORIGINAL TOYOKUNI III (UTAGAWA KUNISADA) SAMURAI WOODBLOCK DIPTYCH TITLED BENKEI & YOSHITSUNE

拍品描述

A rare and visually striking original Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock diptych by Utagawa Kunisada (1786?1865), also known as Toyokuni III, depicting the legendary encounter between the warrior monk Benkei and the young military genius Minamoto no Yoshitsune at Kyoto's famed Gojo Bridge. Among the most celebrated stories in Japanese history and folklore, the confrontation between Benkei and Yoshitsune has been immortalized for centuries in Kabuki theater, Noh drama, literature, and woodblock prints. According to legend, the giant warrior monk Benkei challenged passing swordsmen on Gojo Bridge, collecting their weapons as trophies. After defeating hundreds of opponents, he encountered the youthful Yoshitsune, who overcame him through superior skill and agility. Benkei subsequently pledged lifelong loyalty to Yoshitsune, creating one of the most famous warrior partnerships in Japanese history. This dynamic composition captures the drama of the legendary encounter in Kunisada's unmistakable style. Benkei appears in elaborate armor with fierce theatrical expression, while Yoshitsune stands poised with drawn sword and battle fan. The winter setting, snow-covered bridge, brilliant aizuri blue palette, and intricate costume details create a visually powerful scene that exemplifies the dramatic storytelling of the Utagawa School. Kunisada was the dominant ukiyo-e master of mid-19th-century Japan and remains one of the most important and collected Japanese print artists. Warrior subjects depicting historical and legendary figures are among the most sought-after categories within the ukiyo-e market, particularly when preserved as complete diptychs. This diptych was acquired from TK Asian Antiquities is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from TK Asian Antiquities, signed by noted Japanese print specialist Michael C. Teller IV, identifying the work as an original Toyokuni III woodblock diptych dating to the 1850s. This piece is double matted and framed under acrylic in a wooden frame with gold trim. With frame, this piece measures 25 inches x 31 inches.

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