12th Jun, 2026 13:00
Fine Japanese Art
184
† HIKATA SESSHU: AN EXCEPTIONAL AND LARGE CARVED WOOD ‘MINAMOTO NO YOSHITSUNE TRAINING WITH THE TENGU’ OKIMONO
Sold for €45,760
including Buyer's Premium
By Hikata Sessu, signed Sesshu to
Japan, c. 1900, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Superbly carved, this remarkable sculpture captures Minamoto no Yoshitsune in a moment of intense action, depicted mid-leap above two tengu. Yoshitsune is shown with one sword raised high above his head, while the other is poised above the head of one tengu, as if preparing to deliver the final blow. His finely incised robes are adorned with intricate folds and patterns, including maple leaves falling in a river. His face is calm and focused, with intense eyes, a set mouth, and meticulously carved hair that adds depth to his expression. The tengu beneath him are equally well-sculpted, with beak-like noses and finely carved wings. Their kimonos feature subtle decoration, and their hair appears to flow in the wind, topped with a tokin cap. Signed to the base SESSHU to [carved by Sesshu].
HEIGHT 28 cm
Condition: Excellent condition and presenting beautifully. A few of the separately carved swords have been re-attached. A few minor expected age cracks.
This scene is drawn from the famous legend of Yoshitsune’s training with Sojobo, the king of the tengu, on Mount Kurama. In the myth, the young Ushiwakamaru (Yoshitsune’s childhood name) is taught martial arts, swordsmanship, and supernatural agility by Sojobo, gaining skills that would define his later victories. This iconic moment represents not just a battle, but the mystical transfer of martial knowledge, symbolizing Yoshitsune’s rise to legendary status. The depiction of Yoshitsune’s training has captivated artists for centuries, blending folklore and the supernatural with Yoshitsune’s historical heroism.
Hikita Sesshu (active Meiji period) was a skilled woodcarver recognized for his dramatic and expressive woodwork. His carving of Taketori-okina (An Old Man from The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter) earned him second prize at the 7th Shin Kobijutsu Ten in 1901. Sesshu also exhibited internationally, including a 1900 presentation at the Paris Exposition, showcasing his talent on the global stage.
Museum comparison:
For another work by this exceptional artist, see a wood okimono depicting Yoshida Shoin, dated 1902, in the Kyoto University Museum, record ID RB00014115.
Expert video JPN0626
By Hikata Sessu, signed Sesshu to
Japan, c. 1900, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Superbly carved, this remarkable sculpture captures Minamoto no Yoshitsune in a moment of intense action, depicted mid-leap above two tengu. Yoshitsune is shown with one sword raised high above his head, while the other is poised above the head of one tengu, as if preparing to deliver the final blow. His finely incised robes are adorned with intricate folds and patterns, including maple leaves falling in a river. His face is calm and focused, with intense eyes, a set mouth, and meticulously carved hair that adds depth to his expression. The tengu beneath him are equally well-sculpted, with beak-like noses and finely carved wings. Their kimonos feature subtle decoration, and their hair appears to flow in the wind, topped with a tokin cap. Signed to the base SESSHU to [carved by Sesshu].
HEIGHT 28 cm
Condition: Excellent condition and presenting beautifully. A few of the separately carved swords have been re-attached. A few minor expected age cracks.
This scene is drawn from the famous legend of Yoshitsune’s training with Sojobo, the king of the tengu, on Mount Kurama. In the myth, the young Ushiwakamaru (Yoshitsune’s childhood name) is taught martial arts, swordsmanship, and supernatural agility by Sojobo, gaining skills that would define his later victories. This iconic moment represents not just a battle, but the mystical transfer of martial knowledge, symbolizing Yoshitsune’s rise to legendary status. The depiction of Yoshitsune’s training has captivated artists for centuries, blending folklore and the supernatural with Yoshitsune’s historical heroism.
Hikita Sesshu (active Meiji period) was a skilled woodcarver recognized for his dramatic and expressive woodwork. His carving of Taketori-okina (An Old Man from The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter) earned him second prize at the 7th Shin Kobijutsu Ten in 1901. Sesshu also exhibited internationally, including a 1900 presentation at the Paris Exposition, showcasing his talent on the global stage.
Museum comparison:
For another work by this exceptional artist, see a wood okimono depicting Yoshida Shoin, dated 1902, in the Kyoto University Museum, record ID RB00014115.
Expert video JPN0626
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