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.
Kogo at the Sagano Hermitage - Lovely scene from the tale of the beautiful Lady Kogo, who was known for her koto playing. Frightened by the attentions of both the Emperor and Taira no Kiyomori, Kogo ran away to the hills of Sagano. The Emperor sent his aid, Minamoto no Nakakuni, to find the beauty. Riding past a cottage on horseback one night, he heard the beautiful music of a koto being played inside. He began to play his flute in response, and the story ended happily with Lady Kogo returning to the Emperor's court with him. Here Nakakuni plays his flute from astride his horse, as inside the rustic home, the beauty bends over her koto. A full moon glows gently in the pale gray evening sky. An attractive depiction of this famous story. Includes silver mica on Nakakuni's blue robe and the stirrup.
Artist - Gekko (1859 - 1920)
Image Size - 12 3/4" x 8 5/8" + margins as shown
Condition - Nice color and detail. Backed with paper, horizontal fold near bottom.
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