Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Keyamura Rokusuke of Keya Village"

Based on a popular kabuki play written in the late 18th century, Keyamura Rokusuke was a humble farmer who was also a samurai possessing extraordinary sword-fighting skills. In the story, Rokusuke becomes the caretaker of a young orphaned boy named Yasamatsu (shown in the woodblock print under his robe). Not aware that the boy has gone missing, a woman named Osono tracks the boy down and attacks Rokusuke thinking he is the kidnapper. After a fierce battle, Rokusuke learns Osono is the boy's aunt and they come to a truce. Like the play, this design is full of drama and excitement showing the moment of attack.

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.