Handsome and Brave Heroes of the Suikoden - In 1866, Yoshitoshi began work on a fantastic 50 print series called the "Handsome and Brave Heroes of the Suikoden" (Biyu Suikoden). Instead of depicting the traditional characters from the novel "Suikoden," Yoshitoshi chose to use his own set of heroes from Japanese history and legend for this series. He also incorporated spirits and monsters, resulting in a very unusual and creative twist on the classic Suikoden theme. These bold and lively images feature beautifully colored and detailed figures in striking poses, many with supernatural or magical creatures. Some feature deluxe embellishments such as embossing or burnishing. These early chuban designs by Yoshitoshi are a great choice for a collector interested in this legendary tale. 

Shizunome Ohyaku and Four Hungry Ghosts, 1866 - Fantastic scene of the beauty Shizunome Ohyaku menaced by four hungry ghosts as she unpacks her meal. A robber and murderer, Shizunome Ohyaku was eventually captured and beheaded. Here, she looks up over her shoulder at the spirits with a wary expression, pausing in the midst of removing pieces of octopus from the leaf they were rolled up in. A bottle of sake and a cup rest on the ground nearby. The eerie ghosts are rendered in blue-gray against the black night sky, one with a leering skull for a head and another swooping down from the top with long shaggy hair. Bony arms reach forward from behind the ghastly figure at left. A terrific supernatural design with fine bokashi shading.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 9 1/2" x 7" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse at top edge from previous mounting. Stitching holes at right edge from previous binding, small hole, repaired. Slight soiling and a few light creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.