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.

The Lucky Teakettle of Morin Temple, No. 34 - A wonderful Yoshitoshi ghost print and a personal favorite. According to legend, a woodcutter saved a badger’s life and in gratitude, the badger, which like a fox is capable of many transformations, turned itself into a teakettle. The woodcutter sold the kettle to a priest, but temple life was not comfortable for the kettle. One day when the priest placed it over a fire, the kettle sprouted legs, turned into a badger. and began running around the temple in search of a route of escape. Yoshitoshi’s charming print shows the badger in a priest’s robe, with its head resting on its paws, looking with quiet detachment. Apparently while in the temple, it was in the habit of transforming itself into a priest. An incredible illustration, considered by many to be the masterwork of the ghost series. Certainly one of Yoshitoshi’s best designs ever. If this great ghost print has always been a favorite of yours, this is a fantastic opportunity to collect a fine quality original.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Some light creases and soiling. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.