Ariwara no Yukihira on the Beach at Suma, 1886 - Terrific image of the ninth-century courtier Ariwara no Yukihira on the beach of Suma Island. Having offended the Fujiwara Clan, he was exiled to the isle for three years, where he met two sisters, Murasame and Matsukaze, who collected seawater for salt making. They both fell in love with him, and after his departure, their spirits waited on the beach for his return. He is shown here sitting on the beach under a small pine tree, still wearing his formal court clothing, a fan at his side. A basket of fish is laid out on the sand before him, and a full moon shines in the sky overhead. The two beauties stand before him dressed in simple cloth wraps and straw aprons, one stroking her long wet hair. Waves lap gently at the shore and a flock of birds scatters into the softly shaded evening sky. A fantastic diptych with fine embossing on the white robe.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 18 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two attached panels, backed with paper. Slight separation at end of vertical centerfold, tiny hole, repaired. Please see photos for details.