Foundations of Morality and Success - Many artists created designs for this long-running newspaper series depicting both contemporary and historical heroes and heroines. These exemplary individuals were thought to embody values to both inspire and encourage readers. The series was published by Heikichi Matsuki of the Daikokuya publishing firm, a company established in 1763 and known for its high quality woodblock designs. Daikokuya commissioned leading artists of the day, such as Yoshitoshi, Toshikata, Kiyochika, and Kunichika, to create these wonderful designs. Beautifully detailed with fine line work and soft shading, these great Meiji era prints were singled out for recognition by the Japanese government when the series was completed in 1890 for encompassing such uplifting and noble subjects. First edition prints feature a patterned border in a variety of colors, while the 1902 edition has plain paper borders.

Blind Scholar Koho - Great illustration of the blind scholar Koho instructing his students in the "Tale of Genji" one evening. A gust of wind through the open door blew out the candle, startling the students, who were unable to read their books. Koho made light of his blindness, joking that he had no such problems and that perhaps being sighted was inconvenient for his pupils. The students are gathered in a circle around him as he sits at a low table. One student leans forward to relight the candle, the paper shade in his lap. A few petals from the chrysanthemum blossoms hung on the wall drift across the room, jostled loose by the breeze. An attractive design.

Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. A few creases at edges. Please see photos for details.