Series: The Meiji period (明治時代, Meiji-jidai)
Restoration: 1868 -1912

Category: Women Samurai

Accession Number: DFJN2020PRWS0006

Title (Original): 地獄の主に直面する反逆者の武士
Title: Jigoku no omo ni chokumen suru hangyaku-sha no bushi
Translated Title: Rebel Samurai Facing the Lord of Hell, 1877

Artist (Original):
Artist: Artist Unknown
Medium: Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and colour on paper
Signature: Unknown
Seal: Unknown
Publisher (Original): 表記無し
Publisher: Unknown
Engraver: Unknown
Publication Date: 1877 
Acquisition Date: 13 / 09 / 2020

Country of origin: Japan

Size: Vertical ōban. 35 x 75cm (14 x 28 inches)
                             
Condition: Excellent colour and detail. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Small loss at edges, tear (repaired). A few creases and stains.

Intriguing triptych depicting samurai who took part in the Satsuma Rebellion, facing judgement from Emma-o, the Lord of Hell. Warriors are gathered around their leader, Saigo Takamori, who sits astride a horse at top centre wearing a black uniform, and atop purple clouds.
Two women warriors are included at upper right. At lower left, red and green horned demons surround Emma-o. who wears a red crown. One of the figures has an ox’s head and carries a pole that terminates in a dragon’s head, while another has a horse head.

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