Akechi Samanosuke Mitsuharu steekt te paard een meer over

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

This exquisite nishikie wood print, titled *Akechi Samanos Mitsuharu steekt paard een meer over*Akechi Samanos Mitsuharu crosses a lake on horseback"), was created by the artist Motonobu in 1820. Measuring a compact 209 mm high by 179 mm wide, it exemplifies the vibrant warrior prints (musha-e) popular in Japan's late Edo period. The medium—nishikie, or "brocade pictures"—refers to multicolored woodblock printing renowned for its rich hues and intricate details, enhanced here by metallic pigments that add a shimmering, luxurious glow, evoking armor and water reflections. The scene dramatizes a legendary feat of Akechi Samanosuke Mitsuharu (1528–1568), a loyal samurai retainer of warlord Oda Nobunaga during Japan's turbulent Sengoku period. Such heroic depictions celebrated bushido virtues like bravery and loyalty, resonating with audiences amid the era's fascination with historical tales. Motonobu's composition captures dynamic motion—the horse mid-stride, rider poised—blending realism with stylized drama typical of ukiyo-e traditions. Bearing a collector's mark (Lugt 2228) on the verso, this print highlights its journey through esteemed European collections, underscoring the global allure of Japanese art in the 19th century. A gem for enthusiasts, it invites reflection on samurai valor preserved in luminous color.