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.

Akazome Emon - Attractive portrait of the famous tenth-century waka poet Akazome Emon. She is shown visiting a shrine in spring, lifting her hat as she looks back over her shoulder. She wears a light blue robe with faint floral pattern over a bright red and pink under robe, the white collar embossed with a geometric design. A shower of pink petals falls from the blossoming cherry tree framing the blue sky. A lovely spring subject, beautifully detailed, with burnishing on the black lacquer hat.

Artist - Yasuji Inoue (1864 - 1889)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 9 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with somewhat stiff paper. Light toning. Some prints have a couple small spots. Please see photos for details.