Comments - Fantastic kakemono or vertical diptych of the nobleman Taira no Koremochi preparing to vanquish Kiji, the demon of Mount Togakushi, with his sword. While hunting deer in the hills outside Kyoto, Lord Koremochi ran into a party of beautiful women so he joined them in a picnic. Sleepy with wine, he dozed off, and dreamed of a messenger from the god of war warning him that one of the women was actually the demon Kiji, who intended to kill him. He awoke to see the woman's true nature reflected in the water below: a hideous horned demon with a leering face and shaggy hair. He grips the hilt of his sword, ready to swiftly draw it and attack the monstrous creature. On the bank, she towers over him, smiling sweetly from beneath the white kimono she holds draped over her head. The wind flutters her garments and sends a shower of colorful autumn maple leaves falling through the sky. An incredible composition beautifully filling the vertical format. Detailed with intricate embossing on the lining of the beauty's kimono, silver mica on the white robe, and soft bokashi shading in the water. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. A terrific and rarely seen Yoshitoshi subject and a great choice for the serious collector.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 28 1/2" x 9 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. Slight toning, slight soiling at edges, a few spots. Please see photos for details.