Gezicht op de Karasaki pijnboom terwijl Akechi Samanosuke Mitsuharu het meer overzwemt. Possibly 1899

This woodblock print, created by Kobayashi Kiyochika in 1899, depicts a scene from Japanese history, specifically the legend of Akechi Samanosuke Mitsuharu, a samurai who, according to lore, swam across Lake Biwa with his horse. Kiyochika's use of vibrant colors and meticulous detail, particularly in the depiction of the water and the horse, brings this epic tale to life. The artist’s interest in historical events and their visual representation is evident in the work. This woodblock print, with its dramatic subject matter and strong composition, offers a glimpse into the life and imagination of a key figure in Japanese history.