Yoshitsune and Benkei on the Gojō Bridge

Date:: March 1886
Medium:: Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Format:: Oban
Dimensions:: 22.9 × 24.5 cm
Source:: Minneapolis Institute of Art

Typical Price

Fine impression of warrior subject: $1,000–$5,000
Good condition warrior print: $400–$1,500
Later impression: $200–$600

Description

"Yoshitsune and Benkei on the Gojō Bridge" (March 1886) presents Yoshitoshi's mature treatment of the legendary encounter between the boy-hero Ushiwakamaru and the warrior-monk Benkei—a subject he returned to throughout his career. In this 1886 version, the moonlit Gojō Bridge frames the two figures at the moment of engagement, Benkei's enormous frame and naginata contrasting with the young Yoshitsune's light, dancing footwork. The print's refined technique and atmospheric moonlight place it in the same register as his contemporary work on the "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" series.

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 Landscapes Prints

Lake Kugushi in Wakasa Province (Wakasa Kugushiko), from the series Souvenirs of Travel I (Tabi miyage dai isshu)"

Wakasa Kugushiko

1920

Color woodblock print; oban

Autumn Maple Leaves at Takao, from the album Eight Views of Kyoto (Kyôto hakkei)

Woodblock print

The Beach at Kaiganji in Sanuki Province (Sanuki Kaiganji no hama), from the series "Collection of Views of Japan II, Kansai Edition (Nihon fukei shu II Kansai hen)"

1934

Color woodblock print; oban

Tea Kettle, section of a sheet from the series "Mirror of Stone Rubbings of Views of the Provinces" (Kohon meihitsu ishizuri kagami)

n.d.

Woodblock print; ishizuri-e, section of harimaze sheet

Featured in Collections

Curated cross-cuts that include this print.

Mount Fuji in Japanese Woodblock Prints Meisho-e: Famous-Place Prints Japanese Ghost and Yōkai Prints

Frequently Asked Questions

Yoshitsune and Benkei on the Gojō Bridge was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年) in March 1886.

Yoshitsune and Benkei on the Gojō Bridge depicts landscapes, bridges, and warriors.

Yoshitsune and Benkei on the Gojō Bridge measures 22.9 × 24.5 cm (Oban format).