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.

Pilgrimage to Enoshima, 1887 - Charming scene of two women travelers pausing for a rest along the seashore during a pilgrimage to Enoshima. One beauty sits on a trunk smoking a pipe as her companion looks out over the water. A porter crouches beside her, partially hidden behind her flowing kimono sleeve, a wisp of smoke curling from his pipe. A village is nestled at the foot of the hills in the distance, overlooking the ocean. An attractive design with soft color and touches of burnishing.

Artist - Gekko (1859 - 1920)

Image Size - 12 1/4" x 8 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small tears, repaired. Slight toning and creasing, offsetting. Please see photos for details.