Hanga
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)" by Utagawa Hiroshige — Japanese Color woodblock print; oban, c. 1832/34

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)"

by Utagawa Hiroshige

Ukiyo-e
LandscapesBridgesWarriors
Date:
c. 1832/34
Medium:
Color woodblock print; oban
Format:
Oban

Description

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.

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Featured in Collections

Curated cross-cuts that include this print.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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.