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.

Gamo Sadahide’s Servant, Toki Motosada, Hurling a Demon King to the Ground at Mount Inohana, No. 12 - An incredible illustration of the story of Toki Daishiro, an officer of Gamo Sadahide, and his encounter at an old temple. Toki had left the encampment, having heard of ghostly apparitions at a local old temple. Approaching the temple late at night, he peered in and saw strange phantoms cavorting. He immediately attacked and grappled with the largest ghost, killing it and freeing the temple of these horrible spirits. This fantastic Yoshitoshi composition is one of the best of the series. A lively action filled scene shows Toki wrestling with the horrible demons of the old temple. Skeletal figures and ghosts abound. Stevenson describes the engraving, especially of the breastplate and hair, as a “tour de force” of detail. Fantastic Yoshitoshi design that would make a great addition to a collection or a wonderful display.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 9" x 13 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with sharp color and detail as shown. Backed with old paper. Some light soiling in subject. Some thinning at right edge repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.