Hotoke-gozen

by Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Current Status

Hotoke-gozen by Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Original Kiyochika (1847 - 1915) Japanese Woodblock Print
Hotoke-gozen

Series; Ancient Patterns (Kodai moyo), 1897

Hotoke-gozen - Fantastic triptych from a series depicting beauties from different historical periods, this one showing the beauty Hotoke-gozen traveling to join the sisters Gio and Gijo, who had become nuns. Both sisters were popular shirabyoshi dancers in Kyoto, and Gio was a special favorite of Taira no Kiyomori. When Kiyomori fell in love with a new dancer named Hotoke-gozen, Gio was forced to retire against her will, becoming a nun along with her sister and mother in Saga. Later, Hotoke left Kiyomori to join the sisters and become a nun as well. She is shown arriving in Saga on a cold winter day, her head wrapped in a sheer white silk scarf, a few wisps of hair blowing loose beside her face. The three nuns wait for her on an open verandah, huddled in cloaks and scarves, a vase of delicate purple flowers set out to welcome her. Bare grasses wave in the gray winter sky behind them. A beautiful composition with the large format figure framing the scene. A truly striking woodblock print that would make an attractive display. Includes burnishing in the hair and an embossed pattern on the white collar.

Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 1/8"+ margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A couple creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Hotoke-gozen by Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)
Hotoke-gozen by Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)