Utagawa Sadahide (Japanese, 1807-1873), The Great Battle of Yamazaki

C. 1855, six oban sheets, woodblock print, panoramic view of the Battle of Yamazaki taking place along the shore between forces of the Akechi and Oda clans, presented under glass with viewing mats in an art deco style wood and gilt frame.

Frame dimensions 21 x 67 1/4 in.

Private Collection, Durham, North Carolina

Sadahide studied under Utagawa Kunisada, and was most well-known for his Yokohama-e prints showing scenes of modern industry and foreigners in Yokohama. Additionally, he created some large narrative woodblock compositions that were larger than the standard triptych format used by most artists. Throughout his work, Sadahide’s effective and decorative prints show the influence of Western perspective and chiaroscuro. He was selected to join the Tokugawa Shogun’s delegation to the 1867 Paris exhibition, giving him the chance to be shown internationally.

Fading to color especially red pigments, yellow pigments faded completely; some slight crease to left hand prints; some rubbing and wear to lower edge of print in the center left; not examined outside of the frame.