Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

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An original painting, Hokosorori zu, showing Sorori Shinzaemon (at bottom) and Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598). Sororai was a sword sheath maker and otogishu to Hideyoshi (storyteller to attending provincial lords). “Sorori” means smooth and quiet, the name given to him because any sword fit his sheaths so perfectly. The episode depicted concerns Hideyoshi lamenting the fact that his face looked like a monkey. Sorori cleverly tells him that he is lucky that monkeys respect him to such a degree that they try to look like him. Hideyoshi enjoys the reply and inquires what he would like as a reward. Sorori asks him for a grain of rice to be doubled-up every day for one hundred days. After this period Hideyoshi realises his mistake and demands that Sorori change the reward.

Full colour on silk, image size 34.75 x 11.5 in; 88.2 x 29.2 cms. In very good condition. Beautiful mount. Signed Yoshitoshi with Taiso seal.

Status: Sold