Late 19th Century Yoshisai Enichi Triptych the Burning of Honnoji Oda Nobunaga Meiji Warrior Woodblock

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One of the most dramatic moments in samurai history, captured in flame: Oda Nobunaga's last stand at Honno-ji temple in … Read more One of the most dramatic moments in samurai history, captured in flame: Oda Nobunaga's last stand at Honno-ji temple in 1582, when his general Akechi Mitsuhide turned against him and burned the temple around the warlord who had nearly unified Japan. This Meiji-period triptych by Yoshisai Enichi (楊斎延一), a pupil of Yoshu Chikanobu, delivers the scene with theatrical fire, rearing horses and swirling smoke - a collector's subject that resonates far beyond ukiyo-e circles.

Each sheet measures approximately 37.2 x 25.2 cm; the complete triptych spans roughly 75.6 cm (29.8 in). The set was stored between sheets of thin paper for many years, and the Japanese seller described it as in good condition and rare, with vivid color, no notable worm damage and no tears - an exceptionally well-preserved Meiji woodblock. Minor color transfer and age-related fading may be present and are reflected in the photographs.

Details
Artist: Yoshisai Enichi (Yosai En'ichi), pupil of Yoshu Chikanobu
Subject: The Burning of Honno-ji (Honnoji yakihari), Oda Nobunaga
Date: Meiji period (c. 1880s)
Medium: Original Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e)
Format: Complete oban triptych (three sheets)
Sheet size: approx. 37.2 x 25.2 cm each (approx. 29.8 x 14.6 in combined)
Origin: Japan
Condition: Good for age. Vivid color; no notable worm damage or tears; minor color transfer and fading. See less