Comments - A fantastic Yoshitoshi triptych depicting blind musician Ishizaka Kengyo performing for the great warrior and monk Uesugi Kenshin and his men. Kengyo plays a Japanese lute called a biwa as he sings about the nue, a mythological creature that tormented the emperor. The elderly man sits barefoot on the floor, cradling the instrument in his lap, tilting his head as he plays. Kenshin sits on a cushion at right, bowing his head as he listens. Samurai in armor are seated around the room, watching intently. Beautiful screens in the background depict egrets wading in a pool and a rushing waterfall. Fantastic detail in the armor and expressive facial features. A terrific Yoshitoshi design, embellished with embossing on Kengyo's white robe, burnishing on the armor, and a faint burnished pattern on the olive green areas of Kenshin's kimono. An 1893 publication of a slightly earlier triptych, reissued following the artist's death. A great choice for a collector.
Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Image Size - 14" x 28 1/4" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small wormholes, loss and thinning at edge, repaired. Slight soiling and creasing. Please see photos for details.
This Auction Falls Under Our Standard Auction Rules and Guidelines
If you are a new bidder, please read the Rules and Guidelines page before bidding.