Hiroshige's images of Edo life—temples, bridges, markets, and seasonal celebrations—are valuable historical documents as well as masterpieces of design. His depictions of the city he loved made him the preeminent chronicler of Edo culture in prints.
In this print from the "Life of Yoshitsune" series, the young warrior Ushiwakamaru defeats the monk-warrior Musashibo Benkei at Gojo Bridge in Kyoto — the encounter that, according to legend, so impressed Benkei with Ushiwakamaru's skill that he became his devoted retainer. The nighttime bridge confrontation, with Benkei's massive figure opposed by the slight but preternaturally skilled young hero, was one of the most beloved scenes in Yoshitsune's story.
Wakasa Kugushiko
1920
Color woodblock print; oban
Woodblock print
1934
Color woodblock print; oban
n.d.
Woodblock print; ishizuri-e, section of harimaze sheet
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
No. 9: Ushiwakamaru Defeats Musashibo Benkei at Gojo Bridge (Kyukai, Gojo no hashi ni Ushiwakamaru Musashibo Benkei o fusu), from the series "The Life of Yoshitsune (Yoshitsune ichidaiki no uchi)" was created by Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川広重) in c. 1832/34.
Yes — No. 9: Ushiwakamaru Defeats Musashibo Benkei at Gojo Bridge (Kyukai, Gojo no hashi ni Ushiwakamaru Musashibo Benkei o fusu), from the series "The Life of Yoshitsune (Yoshitsune ichidaiki no uchi)" is part of the The Life of Yoshitsune (Yoshitsune ichidaiki no uchi) series by Utagawa Hiroshige.
No. 9: Ushiwakamaru Defeats Musashibo Benkei at Gojo Bridge (Kyukai, Gojo no hashi ni Ushiwakamaru Musashibo Benkei o fusu), from the series "The Life of Yoshitsune (Yoshitsune ichidaiki no uchi)" depicts landscapes, bridges, and warriors.
