Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "The Depravity of Monk Seigen"

One of eighteen vertical diptychs created by Yoshitoshi in the 1880s, this work shows the story of the Monk Seigen of Kiyomizudera in turmoil as he longs for his love, Princess Sakura. Seigen is shown clutching a robe from Princess Sakura, while from above, her apparition haunts him. His obsession with Princess Sakura would consume all aspects of his life. A very scarce and marvelously haunting piece that encapsulates Yoshitoshi's incredible imagination and creativity.  

Date: 1889
Size: Vertical Diptych (kakemono-e)
Publisher: Matsui Eikichi
Condition: Excellent color and condition

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.