Gekko's Essays - Begun in 1886, "Gekko's Essays" (Zuihitsu) is a wonderful series encompassing a wide range of subjects. Gekko depicts figures from history and mythology, including famous beauties, poets, scholars, and warriors, along with a few supernatural creatures. These handsome designs are rendered in Gekko's distinctive painterly style, with soft washes of color and flowing calligraphic line work, expertly printed by Matsuki Heikichi to capture these qualities. The series was completed by 1887, but woodblocks are found with dates up to 1899, proving the popularity of the designs, which continued to be printed. A great choice to collect or display.

Emperor Nintoku, 1892 - Handsome portrait of Emperor Nintoku standing on the verandah of a palace, looking out over the village below. He judged the well-being of his citizens by watching for smoke coming from their chimneys. When he saw smoke, he reasoned that his people had something to cook over their fires and eat. He wears a white robe and a necklace of claws and beads. Wisps of smoke rise from the chimneys in the valley below, signaling that all is well. An interesting historical subject with soft coloring and shading.

Artist - Gekko (1859 - 1920)

Image Size - 12 3/4" x 8 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Backed with paper. A few creases and marks, light vertical line where backing papers meet. Please see photos for details.