芳年 Yoshitoshi

Artist : Kaisai Yoshitoshi [魁斎芳年筆]
Age   : Edo 1866 [慶応 三年]
Size   : 18.2 × 24.8 cm
Series : Biyusuikoden / Ushinosuke Takagi『美勇水滸伝 / 髙木午之助』
 
This print depicts “Morikesan-yushi” (one of the three brave men of the Mori family).
 
It’s a classic legend that in which they test their courage at the old temple, to see who is stronger with brute force and courage. 
 
This print depicts the monster who came to sneer at the man, who just stares back at the monster. 
 
He is resting on the table, one hand holding his chin and the other clutching his sword, he is not scared.
 
The poem of the story is written in the top right.