Tokyo nichinichi shinbun - Interesting subject from a series of sensational illustrations done by Yoshiiku for the "Tokyo nichinichi shinbun" newspaper during the Meiji era. These often dramatic images depict contemporary events in the news, including murders, robberies, and assaults, as well as suicides, fires, natural disasters, battles and campaigns, and even supernatural occurrences. Rendered in lively colors, each illustration is accompanied by a story in text. The title cartouche takes the form of a banner held by two winged cherubs, an interesting Western touch. These bold designs offer a terrific look into the daily life of Meiji era Japan.

Police Face Outlaws - Interesting scene of a policeman armed only with truncheon or night stick facing an outlaw with a sword. The outlaws, referred to in the text as "wet rats," were petty thieves who had been frequenting the teahouses and archery galleries that lined Okuyama in Askakusadera. The police staked out the scene, and converged on the men. Here, the officer stands boldly, using his truncheon defensively to block a blow from the criminal, whose striped kimono flutters around him. The commotion has startled the pigeons at the temple, sending them flying up into the air. Nicely detailed.

Artist - Yoshiiku (1833 - 1904)

Image Size - 9" x 13 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some wrinkling and creasing in subject. Slightly curled. Some rubbing and soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.