The great archer Chinzei Hachiro Minamoto Tametomo with two islanders from the island of Oniga-Shima

From the sequel: Yoshitoshi Musha burui

The brave warriors

Edited by Maruya Tetsujirô

1886

Beautiful proof in very fresh colours, some scattered foxing mainly visible in the top margins, pinched fold in the upper border.


Legend has it that Minamoto Tametomo (1139-1170) from a young age was an extremely skilled archer. Nearly seven feet tall and with a left arm four inches longer than his right, Tametomo used a seven and a half foot bow. Tametomo had a very wild and unpredictable character. At just fifteen years old, and without the emperor's permission, he conquered and took control of the island of Kyushu.

Following the Hogen War (1156) in which he took part, Tametomo was sent into exile by the emperor on the island of Oshima (Izu province) where he gradually established himself as a local ruler.

The print illustrates the moment when Tametomo discovered a nearby island, Oni-ga-shima, by following the flight of herons in a boat. The strange inhabitants were believed to be descendants of demons, but Tametomo subjugated them by impressing them with his strength.

In 1170, the emperor sent the governor of Izu and his men to apprehend Tametomo. The hero sank the lead ship with a single arrow shot, but then decided to offer his bow to the Dragon King of the Sea and set his house on fire. By cutting his abdomen with his dagger, he would have initiated the tradition of honorable seppuku (ritual suicide).