A triptych / three-print woodblock set titled "Yorimitsu Tries to Capture Hakamadare by Destroying His Magic". 破奇術頼光袴垂為搦（きじゅつをやぶってよりみつはかまだれをからめんとす Vertical ôban triptych. Calligraphic characters within vertical panels set throughout the scene. Signed - all panels. Artist: Utagawa Yoshitsuya Japanese, 1822–1866 Published 1858 Publisher: Tsutaya Kichizo Mounted on cardboard. A rare set and such subject matter is sought after by Ukiyo-e collectors. Condition is average. No major damage. Loss of colour & typical fading and signs of age. Will look magnificent framed. Mid 19th Century. 29" x 13 1/2". 0.5 pounds.
Further reading: In the left panel, the fearless warrior and lord Minamoto no Yorimitsu (948-1021) is leading his faithful comrades through Yakeyama Pass - the Four Guardian Kings (Shintenno), Urabe Suetake, Hirai Yasumasa, and Watanabe no Tsune. The warriors are looking for the notorious thief Hakamadare Yasusuke who sits calmly in a tree at the right; attempting to avoid capture by using magic to create a dramatic illusion of a battle between a bear and a giant serpent. The same print is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
