Lot 154
Japanese Yoshiie Samurai Warrior Horseback Print
Live — closing Oct 29 at 1:15 pm ET
- Estimate
- $100–$150
- Starting bid
- $30
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About this lot
Artist: Unknown
Title: Minamoto no Yoshiie
Medium: Polychrome Print on Paper (Reproduction Format)
Origin: Japan
Dimension:Framed: Approx. 16.5 x 19.25 in.
Condition: Scuffs on frame. No visible flaws on artwork.
Additional Information: This framed Japanese polychrome print depicts the legendary samurai general Minamoto no Yoshiie (1039–1106), also known as Hachimantarō, one of Japan’s most celebrated military heroes. Executed in the traditional musha-e (warrior print) style and in the manner of or after Hasegawa Sadanobu III (1881–1963), the composition portrays Yoshiie mounted atop a powerful black horse while gazing skyward, illustrating the famous legend of the commander interpreting the flight of wild geese to detect hidden enemies.
The warrior is dressed in elaborate Heian-period armor richly detailed with gold, black, and orange scale patterns over flowing blue robes and wears a traditional eboshi court cap tied beneath his chin. A fur-covered quiver filled with arrows is strapped to his back, while he firmly grips a long yumi bow in his left hand. His calm yet vigilant expression and upward gaze convey the wisdom, discipline, and strategic awareness for which Minamoto no Yoshiie became renowned. The powerful black horse is depicted in mid-stride with a raised foreleg and vivid orange-red mane and tail, adding movement and dramatic energy to the composition. Metallic pigment highlights accent portions of the armor and weaponry, enhancing the visual richness of the print against the warm tan background.
A vertical cartouche in the upper right bears the inscription 源義家, identifying the subject as Minamoto no Yoshiie. Revered as one of Japan’s greatest military leaders, Yoshiie became a legendary figure in Japanese history and folklore through his campaigns during the Late Heian period, and he has remained a favorite subject of Japanese warrior prints for centuries.
The print is professionally presented under glass in a cream-colored double mat with a gold-toned inner border and housed in a glossy black wood frame with gilt accents that complement its traditional Japanese aesthetic. This artwork has not been verified as an original Japanese woodblock print and should be regarded as an unverified example that may be a later reproduction or decorative print produced after the original design. Regardless of its production date, it is an attractive display piece that captures the enduring appeal of traditional Japanese samurai imagery and would make an excellent addition to a collection of Asian decorative arts.
Lot details
- Lot
- 154
- Category
- Wall Art › Prints
- Estimate
- $100–$150
- Starting bid
- $30
- Bids
- 0
- Bidding closes
- Oct 29 at 1:15 pm ET
