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

Typical Price

Scarce or exceptional Yoshitoshi composition in fine condition: $1,500–$8,000
Good condition print: $400–$1,500
Later impression or common subject: $200–$600

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.

More Prints by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Shunkan Watching Enviously from Kikai Island as Yasuyori Returns to the Capitol after Being Unexpectedly Pardoned (Shunkan sozu Kikaigashima ni oite tamatama Yasuyori no shamen senbo kito no zu)

Looking as if She Wants to Go for a Walk: The Fashion of a Married Woman of the Meiji Era (Yūho ga shitasō, Meiji nenkan saikun no fūzoku), from the series Thirty-two Appearances of Fashion (Fūzoku sanjūni sō)

Slovenly (Shidaranasaso), from the series "Thirty-two Aspects of Women (Fuzoku sanjuniso)"

1888

Color woodblock print; oban

Four PM, from the series "Twenty-Four Hours in Shinbashi and Yanagibashi"

n.d.

Color woodblock print

More Insects Prints

T

The Wasp's Nest, Ponape (Le Nid de Guêpes, Ponapé)

1938

Color woodblock print

Hotaru Gari- Firefly Hunting

Not set

Woodblock print

Chrysanthemums and Bee, from an untitled series of Large Flowers

Woodblock print

Butterfly and Blue Flower

Woodblock print

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).