Matsunaga Hisahide Preparing to Commit Suicide

Artist Tsukioka (Taiso) Yoshitoshi (Japanese, 1839 - 1892)

Series Publisher Kobayashi Tetsujiro

Date1886

Place of ManufactureAsia

Mediumwoodcut

DimensionsOverall (sheet measurements; image: 33.5 x 22.8 cm): 35 x 23.5 cm

ClassificationsFINE ART

Credit LinePurchased with funds from Judith Patt

Object number2011.020.002

DescriptionMatsunaga Hisahide Preparing to Commit Suicide - scene of the 16th century daimyo Matsunaga Hisahide preparing to commit suicide. After a lifetime of betrayal and murder in the pursuit of power, the rebellious Matsunaga was cornered by Oda Nobunaga at Shiga Castle. Nobunaga demanded both his head and a precious teakettle. Ever defiant, the elderly warrior smashed the kettle before committing suicide, ordering that his head be destroyed so that it could not become a war trophy. Angry defiance is noted on the face of the wizened Matsunaga as he flings the teapot into the air, shards scattering everywhere, his last act of rebellion. He sits on a fur rug, a short knife in his other hand, his suit of armor on the floor beside him. Details include burnishing in the rug and delicate cloth embossing in the drapery overhead.

Status

Not on view