Japanese edo period wood block print of the famous night attack on horikawa castle, where minamoto no yoshitsune sought refuge from his brother yoritomo, who eventually killed him in his quest to become absolute ruler of japan. The scene is one of chaos as samurais clash on foot and on horseback, battling with swords and naginata as smoke and flames engulf the palace. In the center, a young warrior stands atop a fallen enemy, gripping his weapon with both hands as he faces the attackers. At right, a general in a horned battle helmet directs his men with a tasseled command baton. The ground is littered with broken arrows, standards, and abandoned weapons. A dramatic night scene with wonderful detail in the expressive faces and setting. Date: 1847–1852.
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