Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892 )

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Taira no Masakado ( 901-940 ) from an extremely rare and early set: Honcho hyaku yuden, “One Hundred Warriors of Japan.” Masakado was an interloper who attempted to set up a rival court at Ishii in Shimosa to that of Regent Tadahira in Kyoto. He was subsequently killed by Hidesato on the orders of the Regent. Masakado was guarded by a number of ghostly doubles who impersonated him making killing him difficult. These ghostly doppelgangers are seen here in the background. Published 1862 by Enshu-ya Hikobei although it is not known how many prints there are in the set and Keys  ( Courage and Silence, Yoshitoshi, 1982 ) only knew of the set from the Netto list.

Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

Status: Sold