A Collection of Desires - Yoshitoshi's "A Collection of Desires" series features charming scenes of beauties going about their daily routines. Each design illustrates a desire or wish, emphasizing the mood or emotion of each woman at that particular moment. The figures are beautifully drawn with fine line work in the expressive faces and hairstyles, and careful attention to the clothing and settings. These attractive subjects are much rarer than Yoshitoshi's "Thirty-two Aspects of Women" prints from a decade later. Hardly ever seen on the market, these handsome first edition designs are a nice complement to Yoshitoshi's more well known bijin series.

I Want You to Fight Honorably - Interesting portrait of a beauty leaning forward with interest, gesturing animatedly with her hands as she urges her unseen companion to "fight honorably." A sake bottle rests in a warmer at lower right, the wine perhaps contributing to the woman's expressiveness. She wears a blue kimono over a red under robe, tied with a purple print obi. Her hair is pulled back into a smooth bun adorned with a few hairpins, the hairline delicately detailed. An attractive subject.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14" x 9 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color as shown. Backed with paper. Light vertical crease at right edge. Slight toning and soiling, a few small marks. Please see photos for details. Good overall.