A Collection of Desires - Yoshitoshi's 1877 - 1878 "A Collection of Desires" series features charming scenes of beauties going about their daily routines. Each design illustrates a desire or wish, emphasizing the mood or emotion of each woman at that particular moment. The figures are beautifully drawn with fine line work in the expressive faces and hairstyles, and careful attention to the clothing and settings. These attractive subjects are much rarer than those from Yoshitoshi's "Thirty-two Aspects of Women" prints from a decade later, and are a great example of Yoshitoshi's beauty portraits. This print is from a later Meiji era edition.

I Really Want to Go To Sleep, 1877 - Terrific image from Yoshitoshi's series of beautiful young women titled, "A Collection of Desires." A lovely young woman lies on the floor, supporting her head with one arm as she looks at her reflection in the surface of a black lacquer chest. Her expression is dreamy, with eyes half-closed, her mouth open in a smile that reveals tiny, even white teeth. She wears a dark checked kimono over an under robe with a purple tie-dyed collar. Her hair is pulled back into an elaborate knot adorned with a small comb and a metal hairpin, beautifully detailed with fine line work. An intriguing subject from this interesting and rarely seen series, with soft shading in the background and title cartouche.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal center fold, now flattened. A few small wormholes, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.