The Priest Gessho Leaping into the Ocean

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

The Priest Gessho Leaping into the Ocean by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Priest Gessho Leaping into the Ocean

Series; New Tales of Honor (Meiyo shindan), 1875

The Priest Gessho Leaping into the Ocean - Intriguing scene of the priest 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 - 14" x 9 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal and vertical folds. Small thinning spot at edge, repaired. Slight paper remnants and rubbing at left edge, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

The Priest Gessho Leaping into the Ocean by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
The Priest Gessho Leaping into the Ocean by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Auction Rules and guidelines

This Auction Falls Under Our Standard Auction Rules and Guidelines

If you are a new bidder, please read the Rules and Guidelines page before bidding.