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.

The Grass-cutting Sword of Prince Yamato-dake no Mikoto - Fantastic design from the legend of the amazing Kusanagi no Tsurugi or Grass-cutting Sword, one of the three sacred Imperial treasures passed down from father to son. Rebels sought to kill Prince Yamato-dake no Mikoto, and tricked him into coming out onto the plains to hunt. They set fire to the brush, which swiftly reached him. Finding no escape, the prince used the sword to cut down the grass to keep the fire away, and miraculously, whichever way he cut, the wind changed to blow in that direction. Using the sword, he forced the fire back upon his enemies and escaped unharmed while destroying his attackers. He is shown here bravely facing the fire, the magic sword in his hand, as flames and smoke rise all around him. The panicked rebels can be seen in the distance through the fire. A terrific illustration of this famous tale.

Artist - Gekko (1859 - 1920)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 8 1/2"

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Backed with somewhat stiff paper. A few creases and stains. Please see photos for details.