Emperor Sutoku Refusing to Receive the Priest Rennyo in Exile, 1880 - Terrific image from Yoshitoshi's series of triptychs depicting legends and events from the history of Japan. Here the former Emperor Sutoku, in exile at Sanuki on the island of Shikoku, refuses to see the priest Rennyo, who has come to pay him a visit. The Emperor sits on a mat, his elbow resting on a crude wooden armrest, turning his head away imperiously. His fingernails are long, and his hears is shaggy and wild. The monk humbly bows in the doorway, both hands on the floor before him, his hat and portable shrine on the floor nearby, as Sutoku bids his retainer to refuse the guest. A tattered reed blind hangs at the window, a full moon shrouded in misty clouds in the evening sky beyond. Fantastic detail in the setting and figures, with burnishing in the priest's black robe and retainer's tall court cap. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has this image in its collection. A great design from this impressive and rarely seen series.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 1/2"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, not attached at the seams. Very slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. Stitching holes along one side of each panel from previous folio binding, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling and rubbing, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.