Tokyo nichinichi shinbun - Interesting subject from a series of sensational illustrations done by Yoshiiku for the "Tokyo nichinichi shinbun" newspaper during the Meiji era. These often dramatic images depict contemporary events in the news, including murders, robberies, and assaults, as well as suicides, fires, natural disasters, battles and campaigns, and even supernatural occurrences. Rendered in lively colors, each illustration is accompanied by a story in text. The title cartouche takes the form of a banner held by two winged cherubs, an interesting Western touch. These bold designs offer a terrific look into the daily life of Meiji era Japan.

A Mother Who Died Giving Birth Returns as a Spirit During Bon, 1874 - Fascinating image of a mother who died giving birth returning as a spirit during the Bon Festival to embrace her child. Held annually, the Bon Festival honors the dead and the spirits of ancestors. At the beginning of Bon, it is believed that the spirits return to visit their relatives. Here, the woman slips beneath the mosquito netting to press the baby's cheek to her own, watching an older child sleeping as smoke rises from a small brazier at left. A lovely, moving design, beautifully drawn and colored.

Artist - Yoshiiku (1833 - 1904)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 9 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Faint toning, very slight soiling, a few light creases. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.