Tomoe no Shutsujin (Tomoe Gozen, the Female Warrior)

Tomoe no Shutsujin (Tomoe Gozen, the Female Warrior)

The print was produced as a kuchie frontispiece for a novel 巴の出陣 "Tomoe no Shutsujin" in a literary magazine titled Bungei Kurabu magazine, Vol 10, No.5 in 1904. Tomoe Gozen (1157–1247) was a late twelfth-century female samurai warrior, known for her bravery and strength. She is believed to have fought in and survived the Genpei War (1180–1185). She was also the concubine of Minamoto no Yoshinaka.

"Tomoe was especially beautiful, with white skin, long hair, and charming features. She was also a remarkably strong archer, and as a swordswoman she was a warrior worth a thousand, ready to confront a demon or a god, mounted or on foot. She handled unbroken horses with superb skill; she rode unscathed down perilous descents. Whenever a battle was imminent, Yoshinaka sent her out as his first captain, equipped with strong armor, an oversized sword, and a mighty bow; and she performed more deeds of valor than any of his other warriors." From -The Tale of the Heike -

Artist: Gekko Ogata (1859-1920)
Date: Meiji 37 (1904)
Paper Size: 8 and 5/8 x 12 and 3/8 inches (22 x 31.3 cm)
Condition: Very good overall. Original Kuchi-e fold lines. Excellent colors and details. Minor soils mostly on the lower part. Paper crease at upper left corner. Please see photos for details.