Yoshitoshi's Brocade Pictures for Moral Education - Between 1882 and 1884, a six-volume series titled "Brocade Pictures for Moral Education" (Nishiki-e shushindan) was published illustrating moral teachings. These images were likely used for classroom instruction on moral education, called "shushin," a program promoted by the Japanese government in reaction to the perceived lapse in public morals, attributed to poor Western influences. These prints feature realistically drawn scenes from ancient to modern times, exemplifying the highest standards of behavior. Interestingly, some of the designs use foreigners as examples. The six textbooks include smaller illustrations by Yoshitoshi in both color and black and white, and separate oban-size color woodblocks by several of Yoshitoshi's students.

Designs by Yoshitoshi for this series are extremely rare, and are not well-documented. They are aiban size, and are noted by some sources as an untitled series of foreign children and Confucian virtues, circa 1882. These unusual subjects are rarely seen on the market, and are a fantastic choice for a Yoshitoshi collector.

Serving a Meal - Attractive scene of a traveler taking a rest under a tree at the side of a road. He sits on a straw mat, reaching for a dish of rice offered to him by a kneeling servant. A low red lacquer tray before him holds more food. At right, a Chinese nobleman on horseback watches silently, a retainer next to him holding a fluttering red flag trimmed with fringe. A handsome composition with attractive detail and soft bokashi shading.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 10" x 8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some light soiling and wrinkling. A few losses at left repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.