Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

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Shows Endo Morito about to murder Kesa Gozen’s husband in his bedroom. Morito became enamoured of Kesa Gozen although she was married to a palace guard. She eventually succumbs to his advances on the condition that he kills her husband. However, she takes the place of her husband in bed and is subsequently killed by him. Full of remorse Morito changes his name to Mongaku and does penance under the Nachi Falls. A famous scene much depicted in Japanese art. From a set Yoshitoshi musha burui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors.” Published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1883.

Fine impression: This is the first edition with three-colour cartouche and small red seals in left margin. There are late editions of this set. It was republished by Tsunajima Kamekichi in 1886. Fine colour and condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.

Status: Available