Benkei and the Moon at Daimotsunoura

Catalog note / 解説

Yoshitoshi (1839-1892), a pupil of Kuniyoshi, was one of the last great masters of the <i>ukiyo-e</i> tradition of recording life in the contemporary world, and, like his teacher, a specialist in historical themes. Among his most famous series is the <i>One Hundred Aspects of the Moon</i>, the moon being a central element in much of Yoshitoshi's work. This particular print relates a scene from the Noh play <i>Funa Benkei</i> ('Benkei on the Boat'). Benkei, a popular figure in Japanese history, was a loyal retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Here he is shown praying to exorcise the ghost of Taira no Tomomori, who attacks the boat on the raging sea. Materials: Colour woodblock print