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.

Riding a Horse down the Stairs of Atago Shrine - Fantastic depiction of a legendary feat of horsemanship by the 17th century samurai Magaki Heikuro. He rode his horse up the 88 steep steps of Atago Shrine to gather white plum blossoms for the Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, then safely descended to present the flowers to the shogun. He is shown here riding confidently down the stairs, the horse picking its way carefully, a blossoming branch tucked into the back of his robe. He holds the reins with one hand, his other held out to the side, flowering plum trees framing the stairs. A terrific illustration of this terrific story.

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.