Gekko's Essays - Begun in 1886, "Gekko's Essays" (Zuihitsu) is a wonderful series encompassing a wide range of subjects. Gekko depicts figures from history and mythology, including famous beauties, poets, scholars, and warriors, along with a few supernatural creatures. These handsome designs are rendered in Gekko's distinctive painterly style, with soft washes of color and flowing calligraphic line work, expertly printed by Matsuki Heikichi to capture these qualities. The series was completed by 1887, but woodblocks are found with dates up to 1899, proving the popularity of the designs, which continued to be printed. A great choice to collect or display.
Dancer Shizuka - Lovely design of Lady Shizuka performing a shirabyoshi dance. She moves gracefully, swirling her flowing sleeves through the air as she looks modestly down over her shoulder. Shirabyoshi dancers traditionally wear men's dress, and her hair is loosely pulled back into a samurai's topknot, and she has a sword tucked at her side. A charming image with beautiful silver mica detail on the brown tunic and allover cloth embossing on the background.
Artist - Gekko (1859 - 1920)
Image Size - 12 3/4" x 8 5/8" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Slight toning. Some prints have a few light creases or small spots. Please see photos for details. Generally in good to nice condition overall.
This Auction Falls Under Our Standard Auction Rules and Guidelines
If you are a new bidder, please read the Rules and Guidelines page before bidding.