Watanabe no Tsuna, Samurai Warrior, 10th Century

Watanabe no Tsuna, Samurai Warrior, 10th Century

Entitled: "Ryugujo"; shows the warrior Watanabe no Tsuna, with bow and arrows, at the palace of the demon Ibaraki. Watanabe no Tsuna (953-1025) was a Japanese samurai, a retainer of Minamoto no Yorimitsu, one of the earliest samurai to be famed for his military exploits. According to legend in the late 10th century of Heian Period Japan, Ibaraki-doji, a notorious Oni, resided at Rashomon Gate in Kyoto. Ibaraki-doji harassed people who tried to pass through the gate until a heroic samurai named Watanabe no Tsuna, a loyal retainer of Minamoto no Raiko, went to subdue the creature. When Tsuna arrived at Rashomon Gate he was attacked by Ibaraki-doji. However, Tsuna was a strong and valiant swordsman who was able to defend himself against the ferocious attack. The battle raged on until Tsuna drew his katana and severed the arm of the demon. Screaming in pain Ibaraki-doji ran away from Tsuna, leaving the severed arm behind. Tsuna swept up Ibaraki-doji's arm as a trophy. When he arrived home at his mansion he wrapped up the severed arm and locked it away in a chest. Woodcut by Yoshitoshi Taiso, circa 1880s.

WATANABE NO TSUNA

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3300 x 4310 px | 40.7 MB

27.9 x 36.5 cm | 11.0 x 14.4 in (300 dpi)