Rare Antique Japanese Woodblock Triptych Ukiyo-E Print "Yorimitsu Tries to Capture Hakamadare by Destroying His Magic", Edo Period

Description

A triptych / three-print woodblock set titled "Yorimitsu Tries to Capture Hakamadare by Destroying His Magic". 破奇術頼光袴垂為搦（きじゅつをやぶってよりみつはかまだれをからめんとす
Vertical ôban triptych. … more A triptych / three-print woodblock set titled "Yorimitsu Tries to Capture Hakamadare by Destroying His Magic". 破奇術頼光袴垂為搦（きじゅつをやぶってよりみつはかまだれをからめんとす
Vertical ôban triptych.
Calligraphic characters within vertical panels set throughout the scene. Signed - all panels.
Artist: Utagawa Yoshitsuya Japanese, 1822–1866
Published 1858
Publisher: Tsutaya Kichizo
Mounted on cardboard. A rare set and such subject matter is sought after by Ukiyo-e collectors.
Condition is average. No major damage. Loss of colour & typical fading and signs of age. Will look magnificent framed.
Mid 19th Century.
Listed by East2West Furniture.
29" x 13 1/2".
0.5 pounds

Further reading: In the left panel, the fearless warrior and lord Minamoto no Yorimitsu (948-1021) is leading his faithful comrades through Yakeyama Pass - the Four Guardian Kings (Shintenno), Urabe Suetake, Hirai Yasumasa, and Watanabe no Tsune. The warriors are looking for the notorious thief Hakamadare Yasusuke who sits calmly in a tree at the right; attempting to avoid capture by using magic to create a dramatic illusion of a battle between a bear and a giant serpent.
The same print is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. less