Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

Click here to view image full size.

A vertical diptych Seigen daraku no zu showing the priest Seigen of the Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto and the beautiful Sakura-hime (Princess Sakura). Several versions of the story exist. In one, Sakura-hime is Seigen’s long-deceased lover reincarnated as a young priest called Shiragiku. In another, Shiragiku is the dead lover reborn as Sakura-hime. The main thrust of the tale is that Seigen’s lust gets the better of him resulting in his removal from the temple. It was the basis of the play Sakura Hime azuma bunsho premiered 3/1817. This is the rare first state of the first edition published by Matsui Eikichi, 1889. It was republished by Hasegawa Tsunejiro in 1889 with the publisher and date in left border and on most impressions a seal at top left reading “Reproduction not allowed.”

Very fine impression with hand-applied colour to the eyes, teeth and nails with gum overlay to eyes on Seigen. Fine colour. Minor edge wear to right, otherwise fine condition. Ample room for joining. Signed Yoshitoshi.

Status: Sold