Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912 ), The naval commander... Lot 32

Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912 ), The naval commander Taira no Tomomori in combat , in a kabuki play in 1888, diptych of prints, 35 x 48 cm + frame, traces of use, Faced with defeat in the naval battle of Dan-no-ura, fleet leader Taira no Tomomori decided to commit suicide by tying himself to an anchor and throwing himself into the sea. Here, he wears a kamishimo emblazoned with the Taira butterfly and a large cap with attached horns. He holds a naginata in one hand, facing a long-haired warrior ready for battle. Chikanobu is one of the last undisputed masters of Japanese prints from the second half of the 19th century. His work is essential to the transition from traditional ukiyo-e to the new shin-hanga style.