Hello Julia, I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal, Considering the photographs, overall composition, characters and the writing, I concluded that this is a very famous scene from Japanese history known as "Nitta no Yoshisada Throwing His Sword into the Sea". The story depicted in this printed piece is showing Nitta no Yoshisada ready to throw his sword into the sea at Inamura Promontory. A former general of the Hojo army, Yoshisada supported the exiled Emperor Go-Daigo during his captivity. When Go-Daigo escaped, Yoshisada joined him and raised an army to fight the Hojo clan, his former allies. As they marched on the Hojo stronghold in Kamakura, they found themselves trapped on a narrow stretch of sand, between high cliffs and Hojo boats full of archers. Yoshisada prayed to the gods of the sea and cast his sword into the water to show his sincerity. When the sun rose, the tide retreated out far, leaving a pathway along the sand towards Kamakura. A fantastic image of the general standing on the shore with his men gathered around him and waiting for a solution to save their lives and honour. In short, it is depicting a legendary Japanese historic story. There are few examples of this print on woodblock made in the late 19th century but this piece most likely dates back to the period between 1940-1960. A very collectable and valubale piece. On this side of the print the spectator's look has changed from the main character Yoshisada to his army, we can see the tension among men and the unhappy facial expression that has accured due to a dead end in the army's path. Most of the writing is in this part of the print and it shortly sums up the story as well as mentioning the important names of the army and the close men of Yoshisada, of course it also mensioned Yoshisada's name in the script. With Samurai clothes and banners this prints serves the eye with a complete and detailed view from battlefield as well as a feeling o despair byt he gestures and the mood supported by pale colours. Print on paper. Dimensions: 15 Inches by 10 Inches Condition: In perfect condition and framed without any visible faults. Provenance: Purchased from an estate sale in San Diego or Palos Verdes by the current owner's mother. 250-300$ for the both of the prints inside a single frame. Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.
