Title : Heroes and Heroines in the Tale of Heike - Writing on a Cherry Tree

Artist : Toyohara Chikanobu

Date : 1898.

Details : Toyohara Chikanobu: Heroes and Heroines in the Tale of Heike - Writing on a Cherry Tree - Artelino

Source : artelino - Japanese Prints
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Description : From the series "Heroes and Heroines in the Tale of Heike". Samurai Kojima Takanori tried to rescue emperor Godaigo who was on the way to be transported to a remote place from Kyoto. One night, Kojima sneaked in the camp but the security around the emperor was so tight that he could not attempt the rescue. He wrote a verse in Chinese on a nearby cherry tree, "The heaven didn't desert King Gou-jian of Yue (465 B.C.), likewise the heaven will never abandon Your Majesty, a loyal follower like Fan-li will come to emancipate Your Majesty from the hardship." and disappeared. The next morning, the guards found the message on the tree but nobody could read the Chinese. Only emperor Godaigo could understand the meaning of the verse. He was very pleased and encouraged.

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