Yoshitoshi, Original Japanese Woodblock Print, Floating World Art, Night, Black

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Yoshitoshi, Original Japanese Woodblock Print, Floating World Art, Night, Black

About the Item

Artist: Yoshitoshi Tsukioka (1839-1892) Title: Taira no Tadamori and the Oil Priest Series: Yoshitoshi's Courageous Warriors Publisher: Kobayashi Tetsujiro Date: 1885 Dimensions: 24.5 x 36 cm [not including backing] Several disturbing rumours floating around the old capital of Kyoto finally reached the ears of the Emperor: a mysterious and haggard figure had been sighted near the temple Yasaka no Yashiro at night, with writhing spikes emerging from its head and fire breathing from its mouth. Taira no Tadamori, the Emperor's personal samurai and guard, set out to quell the demon. Approaching the temple path at the dead of night, Tadamori caught sight of the flaming tongue of the beast from a distance. He quietened his presence, using the tall trees by the precincts to cover his pursuit. Finally drawing near, the warrior is bemusedly surprised. The so-called monster was in fact a servant of the temple charged with lighting the oil lamps around the grounds. His ghastly horns became a simple straw hat at close view and his fiery tongue simply the torch he kept burning through consistent blowing. Yoshitoshi uses this tale to create a tense arrangement in black. Streaks of ink signal the rainy night and varying gradations provide depth to the shadowy sky. The unkept look of the priest is particularly grisly, with his hair realised in thick curved strokes. Mostly covered from view by the large tree trunks lining the scene, Tadamori pose is full of drama. Yoshitoshi manages to suggest the preparatory stance of his strike in the limited space between the trees, using only the crossing of his arm and firm positioning of his leg to give the impression of a warrior ready to charge at his enemy.

Creator:
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 14.18 in (36 cm)Width: 9.65 in (24.5 cm)Depth: 0.04 in (1 mm)
Style:
Meiji (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1885
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Thin layer of backing. Faint brown spots and ink around margins. Some wormholes and small holes restored.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2404314557501