Watanabe no Tsuna cutting off the Demon's Arm at Rashomon, circa 1887 - Incredible Yoshitoshi kakemono or vertical diptych illustrating the famous tale of Watanabe no Tsuna confronting the demon Ibaraki near the Rashomon Gate in Kyoto. Yoshitoshi has chosen to depict an unusual moment from the story when Watanabe no Tsuna arrives at Hojo Temple to pound a "prohibited" notice board into the ground, to drive away the witch. Before he has a chance to act, the horrific demon snarls at him from above, clinging to one of the temple pillars with glowing yellow eyes. The startled warrior looks up as his horse rears, wind and lightning sweeping across the scene dramatically. The wind swirls the flowing hair and loose robes of the demon, its muscles tensed and ready to attack the samurai. Nicely detailed with touches of burnishing in the black armor, stirrup, and sword. A fantastic interpretation of this great supernatural tale, in the rare kakemono or vertical diptych format. This image is shown on page 87 of van den Ing and Schaap's book "Beauty and Violence: Japanese Prints by Yoshitoshi." An outstanding print by Yoshitoshi, masterfully drawn and colored. A great choice for a Yoshitoshi collector or a fan of Japanese ghost stories.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 27 7/8" x 9"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels, partially backed with paper. A few small losses and holes, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases at edges, faint ink offsetting. Please see photos for details. Good overall.