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 Heroism of Hojo Tokimune - Fantastic illustration of the defeat of the Mongol attempt to invade Japan in the thirteenth century during the reign of Hojo Tokimune. Two major military invasions by the Mongols were defeated in part through huge ocean storms, which caused the attackers to lose troops and supplies. In this scene, the Japanese are assisted through divine intervention, a kamikaze or "divine wind" which whips up the waves, capsizing Mongol ships and sending debris flying through the air. A bolt of lightening zigzags across the sky and the approaching ships are shattered. An incredible illustration filled with action and energy. Only the second time we've offered this subject.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Vertical centerfold. Wormholes throughout, repaired. A few creases. Please see photos for details.