Watanabe no Tsuna Battles Ibaraki-doji
Entitled: "Rajomon watanabe no tsuna oni ude kiru no zu"; shows the warrior Watanabe no Tsuna's sword projecting from below the Ibaraki demon clutching a pillar at Rashomon. 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.
Size: 3099px × 4350px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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