The Tongue-cut Sparrow, circa 1886

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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The Tongue-cut Sparrow, circa 1886 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Tongue-cut Sparrow, circa 1886

Comments - Intriguing illustration from the old folktale of "The Tongue-cut Sparrow," the Japanese equivalent of Pandora's Box. According to legend, an old man kept a sparrow as a pet, tenderly caring for it. When the sparrow accidentally ate some of the rice-starch his wife had prepared for laundry, the evil woman cut its tongue and shooed it away. When the old man eventually found the sparrow, it graciously offered him his choice of two wicker trunks as a gift. Being old and feeble, he took the lighter of the two, which turned out to be filled with gold. Instead of being pleased, his greedy wife decided to retrieve the heavier basket, presuming that it would hold even more treasure. When she opened it, demons and spirits filled the room, tormenting her to death. Here, the wizened old hag walks away from the sparrow family with the heavy trunk tied to her back with a rope, leaning on a bamboo walking stick. She looks out of the corners of her eyes with a menacing leer. Dressed in kimono, the sparrow father waves to her, while the sparrow mother holds her nose and the daughter makes a rude gesture pointing at her eye. Fantastic detail in the elderly woman, with touches of burnishing on the black trunk trim. An incredible story and a terrific Yoshitoshi diptych.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14" x 18 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. Tear at edge, a couple holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few spots and creases. Please see photos for details.

The Tongue-cut Sparrow, circa 1886 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
The Tongue-cut Sparrow, circa 1886 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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