Ukiyoe Reproductions - warriors

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Sadanobu Hasegawa Warrior Kajiwara Kagesue Price A$130 (unframed)) Status New reproduction Condition Excellent Size 265mm x 395mm Availability For Sale

In 1183, Kiso Yoshinaka, a Powerful clan of the Feudal Age, revolts against the Emperor in Kyoto, and the Emperor commands the Shogun Yoritomo to conquir the rebels. In obedience to the Imperial Commands, the Shogun sends his brothers and 60,000 soldiers to the battl fields. The rebels make tremendous efforts in defending their position ashore at the Uji River near Kyoto. In this battle the story of two heroes contending against one another for top credit is very famous.

The story is as follows. On the departure of the warriors for the front, the Shogun Yoritomo gives his excellent black steed, called Surusumi, to Kajiwara Kagesue one of his most devoted retainers. He gives another excellent white steed, called Ikezuki, to Sasaki Takatsuna, Kagesue's rival, and lets each warrior pledge him privately to get an advantage over the other in the coming battle. At the battle field, both Kagesue and Takatsuna watch for an opportunity to perform a glorious deed. On New Year's Day of 1184 the chance comes at last. In pursuit of the enemy, they have to cross the Uji River. Takatsuna on Ikezuki and Kagesue on Surusumi both start to the front and each tries his best in this race, hoping to take the initiative over for first place in leading the van. After a very close contest, because both are veterans of war, Takatsuna gains a victory over Kagesue and leads in putting the enemy to rout. From this contest at the Uji River the names of the two warriors become very famous in the war history of Japan. This warrior is Kajiwaea Kagesue on Surusumi.