Rare Antique 19th Century Japanese wood block print titled The Ghost of Yaehatahime (Yaehatahime no bôrei) and Akamatsu Jûtamaru Takanori, from the series Sagas of Beauty and Bravery (Biyû Suikoden) by Yoshitoshi Tsukioka. Sagas of Beauty and Bravery. Yoshitoshi explored and reinterpreted themes of the supernatural in the context of the tales of the Suikoden. While the images can be bloody and full of gore, they retain a charm often missing in his later works. This unusual series, stems from early in Yoshitoshi’s career. In style as well as subject matter the series owes a huge debt to his teacher Kuniyoshi. Yoshitoshi, eccentrically though, chooses to use Kuniyoshi’s precedent, (Kuniyoshi did not complete the series) but then adds a variety of extra characters from legend, stories and folk tales as well as some popular kabuki roles. The series becomes a virtual compendium of imagery and narrative from woodblock art and popular fiction, some of which – confusingly for the viewer – makes little sense at times. Nevertheless, it is a fine series and well regarded, the prints are crisp and tight and well produced and the depictions clearly show the inventiveness that was to follow, later in Yoshitoshi’s career. The piece is mounted and glazed within an ebonised frame. It is in a very good condition with no visible damage or visible foxing. The son of a Tokyo physician, Yoshitoshi Tsukioka (ne´ Kinzaburo Yoshioka) is considered one of the last great masters of ukiyo-e art. As a young boy he showed remarkable talent and began to study under the renowned Kuniyoshi at the age of 12. Yoshitoshi also studied under Yosai and was adopted by the Tsukioka family. As modernization pushed ahead, Yoshitoshi suffered a nervous breakdown in 1872, living in poverty and ceasing all artistic production. A year later, he resumed working; adopting the artist name Taiso and fulfilling his creative potential. In 1885, he began one of his most acclaimed series. 100 Views of the Moon. In the spring of 1892, he suffered his final mental breakdown and was committed to the Sugamo Asylum. On the 9th of June 1892, he died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 53. Yoshitoshi’s prints are known for their eerie and imaginative component. He worked in a Japan undergoing rapid change, straddling the domains of the old, feudal systems and the new, modern world. His considerable imagination and originality imbued his prints with a sensitivity and honesty rarely seen in ukiyo-e of this time period. From ghost stories to folktales, graphic violence to the gentle glow of the moon, Yoshitoshi not only offers compositional and technical brilliance, but also unfettered passion. Good general condition, minor surface markings. All of our items are rare, antique or vintage curiosities. We are happy to reply to any queries within 24 hours. Please note we make every effort to accurately describe the condition of our items. These are usually detailed in the condition section and using photos. Please message for a cheaper quote tailored to your destination. UK quote is for Mainland Only. Unfortunately we are unable to deliver to PO Boxes. Any such charges are your responsibility. We aim to provide a detailed description of pieces of paintings and frames, outlining any visible damage or deformities. If you feel that an item has been misrepresented with a false description. We offer a full 14-day return guarantee on all items. Please note all items are meticulously packaged and we would expect the items to be repackaged in the same way to avoid damage in transit. Gilt Gesso Frames and Glazing. Gilt gesso frames are delicate mouldings of plaster and can be susceptible to flaking or peeling during transport. We aim to thoroughly protect all frames and glazing with high-quality packaging products and do not pass this cost onto our customers. Unfortunately, our couriers do not provide compensation for antique frames and glazing, and therefore we are also able to do so. This item is in the category “Antiques\Asian/Oriental Antiques\Japanese\Prints”. The seller is “rare-curious” and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Region of Origin: Japanese
• Age: 1850-1899