Sketches by Yoshitoshi - Yoshitoshi designed this fascinating series of sketches in 1882, taking classic subjects from Japanese folklore and history and presenting them in a comic style. The artist creates an amusing twist on scenes from famous tales and kabuki plays, such as bats recreating a scene from the Chushingura, to humorous images from daily life, like three women laughing and falling to the ground when trying to pull up pine shoots to ensure good luck in the New Year. Like his full size woodblocks, these designs are carefully drawn and printed with the same attention to detail. These witty prints offer a great opportunity to collect an original Yoshitoshi at a great price.

Evil Omatsu Murdering Shirosaburo - Dramatic depiction of the evil Omatsu, who used her beauty to become a courtesan and marry the blind samurai Shirosaburo. When he was carrying her across a river on his back, she pulled out a knife and stabbed him to death. In some versions of the tale, Shirosaburo can see, and watching her reflection in the water, is able to save himself. Here, the beauty raises her weapon high above her head, a look of cold determination on her face, her sleeve flying through the air. The warrior reacts with alarm, yelling and grimacing. Startled birds flutter up above the swiftly moving current, which rushes through the scene in a rather menacing manner. The branches of a silk tree frame the view overhead. An incredible subject with a striking setting and wonderful detail.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 18 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two separate panels. A few wormholes and thinning spots, small loss at top left corner of left margin, repaired. Slight soiling, faint stain, a couple light creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.