The Night Attack at Horikawa: Benkei
Artist
Utagawa Kuniyoshi
(Japanese, 1798-1861)
Publisher
Marukie
CultureJapanese
Date1843-1847
MediumWoodblock print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 13 3/8 x 9 13/16 in. (34 x 24.9 cm)
Overall, Mat: 19 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (48.9 x 36.2 cm)
Overall, Mat: 19 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (48.9 x 36.2 cm)
InscribedTwo seals: "Published by Marukie" and "Perfect when printed".
Credit LineGift of Miss Clara Neely
Object number52.15.50
Not on view
DescriptionColor woodblock of Benkei. His mon was the Rimbo (wheel of law). Mounted on 2 character printed sheets (one showing clock at 10:30).Label TextUtagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese, 1789-1861 The Night Attack at Horikawa: Benkei 1843-1847 Woodblock print on paper In this historical scene from the year 1185, Sh¬ôgun Minamoto Yoritomo (whose banners are in the background) stormed his brother Yoshitsune's mansion in the Hirikawa district of the capital Kyoto, forcing Yoshitsune and his loyal soldier Benkei to flee. This print of Benkei was the left panel of a picture made up of three, with Yoshutsune's concubine, the dancer (shirabyoshi) Shizuka Gozen, and Yoshitsune himself on the other sheets. With rising militarism, scenes from Japanese history of heroes like Benkei became increasingly popular subjects for Ukiyo-e. Gift of Miss Clara Neely 52.15.50Exhibition History"Inspiring Impressionism: Japanese Prints in the Chrysler Collection," Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, March 10 - June 18, 2017.
Utagawa Kunisada I (Utagawa Toyokuni III)
after 1844
