Yoshitoshi's Thirty-Six Ghosts - In this incredible series, Yoshitoshi illustrated thirty-six of his favorite tales from Japanese history and legend. From charming folk stories to bloody tales of revenge, the series is the work of the artist's maturity and Yoshitoshi explores the subjects with great subtlety and psychological perception. As interesting to Yoshitoshi as the ghosts and monsters, are the human beings to whom they appear. Yoshitoshi was immensely popular in the last years of his life and the ghost series was greeted with great enthusiasm and a rush to collect among the Japanese public.

Today, prints from Yoshitoshi's Thirty-six Ghosts series are some of the most highly sought after prints on the market. A wonderful area of collecting for the Yoshitoshi enthusiast.

Kobayakawa Takakage Debating with the Tengu of Mount Hiko, No. 29 - Terrific image of the sixteenth-century general Kobayakawa Takakage in a confrontation with a tengu, a mythical demon or spirit. Takakage was credited with saving the Japanese army from annihilation against an overwhelming Chinese force during an invasion of Korea. Here, the warrior shows equal bravery and fearlessness in facing the tengu, his men tumbling over themselves in terror. This scene takes place atop Mount Hiko during a military campaign when the army was halted by thick mists. Disguised as a yamabushi or mountain priest, the tengu stands at right, demanding to speak to the leader of the army that had disturbed him. A wonderful design with gusts of wind sweeping away the mist. This is an excellent and rare subject by Yoshitoshi that would make an incredible display.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 1/8" x 8 7/8" + margin as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. A crease at left edge. Some light toning at edges. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.