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.

Kojima Takanori - Lovely scene of the warrior Kojima Takanori kneeling beneath a cherry tree, having just written a poem on a tree's trunk. Takanori was a loyal supporter of the exiled Emperor Go-Daigo, and attempted to rescue him while he was being transported to a remote location. The samurai was able to sneak into the camp, but could not reach the emperor, so according to legend, he carved a poem of encouragement in Chinese for the emperor on a cherry tree. In the morning, the guards found the poem but could not read Chinese, but the emperor could, and was heartened by the message. A shower of delicate petals falls down over him in the cool evening breeze, and a full moon glows softly overheard. A beautiful, atmospheric interpretation of this famous story.

Artist - Toshikata (1866 - 1908)

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.