Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Hitsu Saisho Haruhira"

This wonderfully strange design tells the story of Karu no Daijin (Minister Karu), who was sent on a diplomatic mission to China in the mid-7th century and was subsequently imprisoned for unknown reasons. As part of his punishment, Karu was condemned to serve as a human candlestick. Here, we see his son, Hitsu Saisho Haruhira finding his father in his tortured state. He would later bring his father home to Japan. 

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; 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.