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 to Wash My Hands - Terrific image of a beauty riding in a pleasure boat, leaning over the edge to wash her hands in the river. A red trimmed handkerchief is caught between her teeth, fluttering in the breeze as she looks out over the water with a smile. The sleeves of her plaid kimono are pushed up above her elbows, and her hair is pulled back into a smooth bun adorned with a large comb and hairpins. Several wisps of hair flutter around her face in the wind, adding a charming sense of movement. This image appears on page 105 of the recent book "Yoshitoshi: Masterpieces from the Ed Friess Collection." Beautifully composed, one of the nicest designs from this series.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse at edges from previous mounting. Vertical fold at edge. Slight thinning spot at edge, repaired. Slight soiling and rubbing, a few creases and stains. Please see photos for details.