Moral Lessons through Pictures of Good and Evil - Intriguing print from a Yoshitoshi series showing the influence of good and evil on the lives of men and women in Japan. Good and evil appear as tiny humanoids with the appropriate kanji character for good or evil on each face. Dressed in fine clothing, the good spirits are motivational and supportive of positive behaviors. The evil spirits appear crude and violent, dressed only in underwear and inciting violence and immorality.

The top scenes show the influence of good, with men and women studying, working, or being kind to one another, the good spirits watching and inspiring them. The bottom designs show the influence of evil, with people fighting and drinking to excess or acting wantonly, the evil spirits provoking them.

These tiny spirits go unnoticed by the characters they surround and yet still influence them, urging people to action or diverting their attention elsewhere. A terrific, imaginative group of subjects with Yoshitoshi's characteristic attention to detail.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - Each image 6 3/8" x 8 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Small loss at corner, U-shaped tear, a few small wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, slight rubbing at edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.