Comments - Handsome illustration of the famous tale about the Heian-era nobleman, Fujiwara no Yasumasa, playing his flute on the lonely moor of Ichihara while walking home one night. His brother, Hakamadare Yasusuke (Kidomaru) snuck up on him, intent on robbing him of his elegant robe, but enchanted by Yasumasa's beautiful music, he stopped in his tracks. Kidomaru instead followed his brother home, who only then became aware of his presence and happily gave him a robe.

Yoshitoshi shows Yasumasa absorbed in his playing, the wind fluttering his robe about him, completely oblivious to his surroundings. Kidomaru sneaks up behind him in a crouching position with his sword drawn, ready to attack, biting his lower lip in determination. A narrow stream meanders across the moor, framed by autumn grasses and blossoms, a full moon glowing in the gray evening sky, creating a lovely setting for the figures. Includes burnishing in the black court cap and the flute, and the furry black scabbard, and fine bokashi shading in the water.

Published in 1868, this attractive design prefigures Yoshitoshi's 1883 masterwork print of this same story. It's fascinating to compare the two triptychs, seeing how Yoshitoshi matured as an artist in the later work, demonstrating his unique style and sensibilities in what is considered the masterpiece of his career. This earlier design is quite rare and this is the first time we've seen it. This subject is illustrated on page 88 of the recent book "Yoshitoshi: Masterpieces from the Ed Freis Collection," by Chris Uhlenbeck and Amy Riegle Newland, et al. We've never come across this important Yoshitoshi subject before, so if you are interested, bid now!

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. A few tears at edges, a couple small holes, repaired. Slight toning, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.