Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Tamiya Botaro Munechika"

Tengu are supernatural bird-like humanoids who are said to live in the mountains and are masters in the martial arts and sword fighting. Although they are known to be mischievous, they are also known to help those who have experienced injustice. In this depiction of a famous story about a young boy named Tamiya Botaro Munichika trained by a tengu, we see Tamiya Botaro weilding a katana as he prepares to kill his father's murderer. Note the tengu levitating above-ground to emphasize his otherworldly appearance. 

Yoshitoshi's "Twenty-Four Accomplishments in Imperial Japan" was a series of works produced between 1881-1887 depicting various notable leaders from Japan's long, storied history. The poems at the top of the compositions are by Ryutei Tanehiko. Tokaido Arts is pleased to present the full series of works from the second printing ca. 1893 following Yoshitoshi's death in 1892.

Series: Twenty-Four Accomplishments in Imperial Japan
Date: ca. 1881
Size: Oban 
Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi
Condition: Original album backing; light toning, otherwise excellent color and condition
Frame Shown: 16" x 24” x 1/2”, Classic Walnut, Clear Walnut

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) was a master painter and woodblock print artist whose works have made an indelible mark on Japanese art and design to this day. His most famous series, "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon," comprise some of Yoshitoshi's best known designs.