Comments - Incredible Yoshitoshi kakemono or vertical diptych depicting the tattooed monk Rochishin in a drunken rage, toppling the guardian figure at the Five-crested Mountain Temple. This fantastic design illustrates a famous episode from the novel "The Suikoden." Rochishin had evaded the death penalty for killing a man by agreeing to become a monk at the temple on Five-crested Mountain, but he still had a violent temper that he was unable to control. After stumbling back to the temple drunk one night, he accidentally knocked down part of the temple gate. When he saw the guardian statue looking down at him, he thought it was attacking him, and he destroyed it. Tangled in the green wooden railings surrounding the figure, he lifts a broken beam with his back, his black monk's robe pushed down to the waist, showing his muscular torso and extensive cherry blossoms tattoos. The sculpture looms above him with a fearsome expression as he demonstrates his amazing strength and propensity for violence. A terrific and memorable image, beautifully drawn and printed.

Deluxe printing techniques include burnishing and cloth embossing in the monk's black robe, burnishing in the guardian's black robe, embossing in the white title cartouche, and shimmering mica across the night sky. The print also features a special technique known as kimidashi or kimekomi, which gently raises the surface of the print to add a softly rounded sense of volume, used here to outline the muscles of Rochishin's chest, arms, and legs, and the bulging veins on his forehead. We've come across this subject before, but have never seen one with this very special printing treatment. A real Yoshitoshi masterwork that would make a stunning addition to any collection.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 28 5/8" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown.

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two attached panels. Backed with paper. Horizontal fold at center. Slight creasing at bottom left corner. Please see photos for details. Good overall.