葛飾北斎画　「諸國瀧廻リ　和州吉野義経馬洗滝」|“The Waterfall Where Yoshitsune Washed His Horse at Yoshino in Yamato Province,” from the series A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces

Katsushika Hokusai

ca. 1832 · Woodblock print; ink and color; vertical ōban · Asian Art

葛飾北斎画　「諸國瀧廻リ　和州吉野義経馬洗滝」|“The Waterfall Where Yoshitsune Washed His Horse at Yoshino in Yamato Province,” from the series A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces — Katsushika Hokusai

Hokusai’s powerfully graphic composition captures an episode from the heroic but tragic life of the general Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159–1189). Yoshitsune had to flee from his older brother, Yoritomo,who considered him a traitor for joining forces with the Emperor Go-Shirakawa. According to literary accounts, while escaping, Yoshitsune stopped to rest and wash his favorite horse beneath a waterfall.

Artist: Katsushika Hokusai
Date: ca. 1832
Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color; vertical ōban
Culture: Japan
Department: Asian Art
Credit line: Henry L. Phillips Collection, Bequest of Henry L. Phillips, 1939

葛飾北斎画 「諸國瀧廻リ 和州吉野義経馬洗滝」|“The Waterfall Where Yoshitsune Washed His Horse at Yoshino in Yamato Province,” from the series A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces

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葛飾北斎画　「諸國瀧廻リ　和州吉野義経馬洗滝」|“The Waterfall Where Yoshitsune Washed His Horse at Yoshino in Yamato Province,” from the series A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces