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.

Devil's Island - Intriguing scene from the folktale of Momotaro (Peach Boy) a boy who emerged from a peach and went off to Devil's Island (Onigashima) to carry off the treasure there. On the way he met a monkey, a pheasant, and a dog, who all agreed to help him in his quest. Here, a hairy horned demon holding a barbed club watches as Momotaro and his animal friends approach in the distance, the monkey gesturing as the boy shields his eyes with his hand. A fascinating subject from Japanese mythology in an attractive natural setting, with mountains and tall pines silhouetted in soft gray in the distance.

Artist - Gekko (1859 - 1920)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.