Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川 國芳) (Japanese, 1798–1861)
Signed: Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga (一勇斎國芳画)
Publisher: Tsutaya Kichizō (蔦屋吉蔵)
Date: 1852 (Kaei 5, 4th month)
Censor Seals: Kinugasa (衣笠) and Murata (村田)
Title: Shotoku Taishi Mononobe no Moriya chūbatsu no zu (聖徳太子物部守屋誅伐之図 — Prince Shōtoku Punishes Mononobe no Moriya)
Media: Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper; Horizontal ōban triptych 36.5 × 75.5 cm (14.25 × 29.75 in) (sheets glued together)
Catalogue Reference: Robinson, 1982, T279
In this dramatic and supernatural triptych, Prince Shōtoku appears mounted on a white horse, flanked by banners and heavily armored retainers, as he unleashes a divine energy beam from his gaze to smite his opponent, Mononobe no Moriya, who staggers backward at the far right under the force of the blast. The clash takes place amid a rugged, mountainous setting under a twilight sky. The composition emphasizes the righteous power of Buddhism, championed by Shōtoku, over the resistance of the anti-Buddhist Mononobe clan.
The theatricality of the scene, particularly the radiant “death-ray” rendered with bold white streaks, demonstrates Kuniyoshi’s flair for dynamic storytelling and imaginative interpretation of historical legend. The work exemplifies his distinctive blend of historical drama, supernatural power, and richly detailed armor.
