The Deity Fudo and the Priest Mongaku

by Tomita Keisen (1879 - 1936)

Current Status

The Deity Fudo and the Priest Mongaku by Tomita Keisen (1879 - 1936)

Original Tomita Keisen (1879 - 1936) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Deity Fudo and the Priest Mongaku

Series; The Complete Works of Chikamatsu Monzaemon, First Edition, circa 1922 - 1926

The Complete Works of Chikamatsu Manzaemon - Published between 1922 and 1926, "The Complete Works of Chikamatsu Manzaemon" illustrates the works of the famous playwright Chikamatsu Manzaemon (1653 - 1725), considered one of Japan's greatest dramatists. He authored more than 100 plays, mainly for the bunraku puppet theater, including historical romances and domestic tragedies, often based on true events. Many of these popular tales were adapted for kabuki theater and are still performed today.

This beautiful series consists of 18 prints by leading artists of the Taisho era, including two important female painters, Shima Seien (1892-1970) and Uemura Shoen (1875-1949).  From mysterious ghosts and poignant beauties to fierce deities and heroic warriors, each illustrates one of Chikamatsu's most memorable characters. Exquisitely carved by Yamagishi Kazue and expertly printed by Nishimura Kumakichi, many include deluxe printing techniques such as embossing, metallic flecks, mica, and hand-applied gofun pigment.

We are excited to offer an incredible group of prints from "The Complete Works of Chikamatsu Manzaemon," including the most desirable and sought-after designs. Considered one of the greatest Japanese shin-hanga series, these fantastic first edition designs are a wonderful choice for a collector. We've seen images from this series offered elsewhere online for more than $1,500. Don't miss this opportunity to collect a beautiful, first edition print from this timeless and treasured series. 

The Deity Fudo and the Priest Mongaku - Fantastic scene of the Priest Mongaku doing penance at the rushing Nachi waterfall. After mistakenly beheading his beloved, the beauty Kesa gozen, while attempting to kill her husband, the warrior Endo Morito renounced his evil ways and became a Buddhist monk, taking the name Mongaku. He prayed for twenty-one days under the icy waterfall, only surviving with divine assistance. Here, he clings to a rock beside the falling water as three deities appear on a floating cloud to help him. In the center, Fudo Myoo is surrounded by a blaze of flames, holding a sword to strike down non-believers and a rope to bind them. He is accompanied by his heavenly attendants, Kongara doji and Seitaka doji. Hand-applied white gofun pigment creates the spray from the rushing water, and subtle gold mica highlights Fudo's sword and jewelry. Beautifully carved to capture the painterly quality of the strokes. A handsome illustration of this famous subject.

Artist - Tomita Keisen (1879 - 1936)

Image Size - 15" x 10 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning, tiny spot, a couple light creases. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

The Deity Fudo and the Priest Mongaku by Tomita Keisen (1879 - 1936)
The Deity Fudo and the Priest Mongaku by Tomita Keisen (1879 - 1936)

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