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.

The Enlightenment of Jigoku-dayu, No. 14 - Incredible Yoshitoshi print depicting the former courtesan Jigoku-dayu seated in meditation. She was converted to a religious life by Priest Ikkyu, who enlightened her as to the evils of her profession. Ikkyu was most well known for carrying a staff with an attached skull to remind New Year's revelers of the inevitability of death. Here, the beauty is shown dressed in an outer kimono with the depiction of a Buddhist hell on the outside and an image of the goddess of mercy on the lining, worn over a beautifully embossed white robe. A twisted vision passes before her of a skeletal courtesan procession, where even the lantern and umbrella are skeletal. A terrific and masterful design.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Toning and soiling, slight creasing, a few spots and stains. Please see photos for details.