Tomoe Gozen Killing Uchida Saburo Ieyoshi at the Battle of Awazu no Hara 1740 - 1760

This woodblock print, created by the renowned Japanese artist Ishikawa Toyonobu between 1740 and 1760, depicts the legendary female warrior Tomoe Gozen in a moment of fierce combat. Tomoe Gozen, a skilled archer and swordsman, is shown on horseback, slaying the enemy warrior Uchida Saburo Ieyoshi during the Battle of Awazu no Hara. The dynamic composition and detailed portrayal of the figures' armor and weaponry create a sense of immediacy and drama. The print, part of a series depicting historical samurai battles, exemplifies the vibrant and expressive nature of ukiyo-e woodblock printing, a popular art form during the Edo period (1603-1868). The print is a testament to the enduring fascination with historical figures and tales of bravery in Japanese art.