Japanese Print "Akashi Gidayū" by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Artist:Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title:Akashi Gidayū
Date:April 18, 1890
Details:More information...
Source:Worcester Art Museum
Browse all 3,039 prints...
Description:
After arranging Oda Nobunaga’s assassination, Akechi Mitsuhide dispatched Akashi Gidayū to deal with those still loyal to the old warlord. But Gidayū failed, and taking personal responsibility for the defeat of his troops, he decided to perform ritual disembowelment (seppuku), the honorable form of suicide for members of the samurai class. His famous and haunting death poem is written on the paper before him and reproduced in the inscription at the top right. In the soft glow of the lamplight the painted tiger rears up behind him in a gesture of martial courage. “As I am about to enter the ranks of those who disobey – ever more brightly shines the moon of the summer night.”
