Brocade Pictures for Moral Education - Between 1882 and 1884, a six-volume series titled "Brocade Pictures for Moral Education" (Nishiki-e shushindan) was published illustrating moral teachings. These images were likely used for classroom instruction on moral education, called "shushin," a program promoted by the Japanese government in reaction to the perceived lapse in public morals, attributed to poor Western influences. These prints feature realistically drawn scenes from ancient to modern times, exemplifying the highest standards of behavior. Interestingly, some of the designs use foreigners as examples. The six textbooks include smaller illustrations by Yoshitoshi in both color and black and white, and separate oban-size color woodblocks by several of Yoshitoshi's students.

Designs by Yoshitoshi for this series are extremely rare, and are not well-documented. They are aiban size, and are noted by some sources as an untitled series of foreign children and Confucian virtues, circa 1882. These unusual subjects are rarely seen on the market, and are a fantastic choice for a Yoshitoshi collector.

The Benevolence of Eiriren (Harry Lane), 1883 - Terrific Yoshitoshi night scene depicting the story of Harry Lane, a thirteen-year-old Philadelphia boy, who saved a train from plunging off a burned bridge between Baltimore and Susquehanna. Here, the boy jumps up and down on the railroad tracks to alert the train approaching in the distance, steam rising from the engine and orange light glowing from the headlight and windows. A dramatic, atmospheric scene, wonderfully detailed. A rare untrimmed print with full margins.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 8" x 10" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Diagonal wrinkles across right side, a couple small repairs, creasing, seal in right margin. Please see photos for details.