Torii Matasuke Carrying a Severed Head - Gruesome depiction of Torii Matasuke swimming underwater gripping the topknot of a severed head between his teeth. The warrior has a simple blue and white tie-dyed cloth wrapped about his waist and his sword is fastened at his side. Carrying the head by his teeth leaves his hands free to swim and allows him to retain a trophy of his victim. Skillful shading adds a sense of movement to the waves sweeping across the page. This unusual subject comes from a bloody series with designs by Yoshiiku and Yoshitoshi depicting legendary and historical characters engaged in violent crimes.

Artist - Yoshiiku (1833 - 1904)

Image Size - 14" x 8 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small loss at right edge, a few small holes, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.