Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Sugawara no Michizane"

Considered one of Japan's greatest scholars and poets, Sugawara no Michizane rose to prominence under Emperor Uda (887-897 CE), but he later died in exile following Uda's death and during the reign of Emperor Daigo (897-930 CE). According to legend, Michizane avenged his exile in the afterlife through a lightning storm, which struck the Imperial Palace and killing many of Emperor Daigo's counselors and officers. Here, Yoshitoshi illustrates this spiritual feat through a wonderfully graphic composition. 

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; 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.