Endō Kiemon Masatada with Assailant 1878

This 1878 woodblock print, "Endō Kiemon Masatada with Assailant," by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892), depicts a dramatic scene of a samurai, Endō Kiemon Masatada, in the throes of battle. The artist captures the intensity of the fight through a powerful composition and dynamic lines. The use of strong colors, particularly red and green, emphasizes the violence of the struggle, while the swirling patterns of the samurai's armor and the background add a sense of movement. This print is a prime example of Yoshitoshi's signature style, known for its dynamic and highly detailed depictions of historical figures and events. It is a captivating example of the "One Hundred Ghost Tales" series, which are characterized by depictions of famous Japanese ghost stories, historical figures, and events.