Yoshitoshi's Thirty-two Aspects of Women - Yoshitoshi's finest series of bijin-ga or pictures of beautiful women, "Thirty-two Aspects of Women" features portraits of beauties in a lighthearted reference to the thirty-two notable features of Buddha. The women depicted come from all social classes, representing beauties from the late 18th century through Yoshitoshi's own time.

Each design captures a woman in a scene from daily life, realistically and sensitively portrayed as individuals rather than idealized figures. Elegant fabrics are beautifully rendered, and hairstyles and facial features are drawn with the most delicate of lines. The series was beautifully printed using deluxe techniques, such as soft bokashi shading, embossing, and burnishing, creating some of the finest prints of the Meiji era.

"Thirty-two Aspects" proved popular with the public when first published, and has been appreciated by viewers and collectors ever since. Designs in this fantastic series are some of the most highly sought after woodblocks of the Meiji era, and are certainly considered masterworks of Yoshitoshi's career.

First Edition Printing - This print comes from the first edition printing of this series, notable for the three color cartouche in the upper corner of each design. Later editions had only one or two colors. First edition prints, especially those in fine condition, are highly sought after by collectors.

Itchy: the appearance of a kept woman in the Kaei era, No. 16 - This illustration shows a young woman who has found a wealthy benefactor who has established her in her own house for his exclusive enjoyment. It is a hot summer's morning, and the girl glances at us drowsily as she emerges from beneath the mosquito net; the title "itchy" suggests that the netting has not quite done its job. Her hair is disheveled with an ornamental comb slipping out, and her loose cotton yukata has slipped off her shoulders, exposing her breasts. This is the most openly sensual design of the series, a very rare find, and a collector's favorite. A beautiful printing with full margins.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Slightly toned at edges. A couple minor spots. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.