The Priest So Gessho Leaping into the Ocean, 1874 - Intriguing scene of the priest So Gessho leaping into the ocean from a series done for the newspaper "Meiyo Shindan" featuring heroes from the recent civil wars leading up to the Meiji Restoration. Gessho supported the restoration of the emperor, and during the Ansei Purge by the shogunate, he and Saigo Takamori fled to Satsuma. Refused asylum by the new Satsuma daimyo, both men jumped into the sea to commit suicide, but only Saigo survived. The priest is shown here clasping his hands together in prayer as he leans over the edge of the boat, facing the violent waves calmly as the wind ruffles his robes. A fascinating historic subject, carefully drawn.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 9 3/4" x 14 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some rubbing and soiling at edges. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.