The Prize to Doke Brothers — Mizunami, September 1565
The Prize to Doke Brothers Oil on canvas, 38.0 × 45.5 cm, 2015-2022, M.
There were brothers, Doke Seijuro, Doke Kojuro, from Owari Province, living in Moriyama. Several years ago, Takeda Shingen invaded Kono-guchi in the east of Mino Province. Then Mori Sanzaemon and Hida Genba took the lead in the battle, the armies fought in the mountains and valleys. The brothers took three enemies' heads and brought them to Nobunaga who exceptionally praised them. The brothers wore a white banner, on which Nobunaga handwrote "The Best Hero in The Country". Nothing is more honorable than this, the brothers were the people of honor.(The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga, Ota Gyuichi(1527-1613))
道家清十郎・道家功十郎とて、兄弟覚えの者あり。生国 尾張 守山の住人なり。一年、東美濃 高野口 (岐阜県瑞浪市) へ 武田信玄 相働き侯、その時、 森三左衛門 ・ 肥田玄蕃 先懸けにて、山中・谷合いにて懸かり合い、相戦いて、兄弟して頸 3つ取りて参り、信長公の御目に懸け侯へば、御褒美 斜めならず。白き旗を差し物に仕り侯。その旗を召し寄せられ、「 天下一の勇士なり 」と御自筆に遊ばし付けられ侯て下さる。都鄙の面目、これに過ぐべからず、名誉の仁にて侯なり。(信長公記)