Minamoto Yorimitsu (Raikō) and His Retainers Attacking the Earth Spider (Tsuchigumo)
- Date:
- early 1860s
- Medium:
- Preparatory drawing for a print, ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 36.2 × 72.7 cm
- Source:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description
This early 1860s preparatory drawing depicts the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raikō) and his four retainers confronting the Earth Spider (Tsuchigumo), a demon spider that had been sapping Yorimitsu's strength by appearing to him in dreams as various beguiling figures. The preparatory drawing preserves the composition's essential drama—the spider's web engulfing the weakened general, his retainers breaking through to rescue him—before transfer to woodblock. The Earth Spider tale was one of Yoshitoshi's most frequently revisited supernatural subjects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Minamoto Yorimitsu (Raikō) and His Retainers Attacking the Earth Spider (Tsuchigumo) was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年) in early 1860s.
Minamoto Yorimitsu (Raikō) and His Retainers Attacking the Earth Spider (Tsuchigumo) depicts insects and animals.
Minamoto Yorimitsu (Raikō) and His Retainers Attacking the Earth Spider (Tsuchigumo) measures 36.2 × 72.7 cm (Oban format).