Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Kobayakawa Takakage Debating with the Tengu"

Kobayakawa Takakage, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi from 16th century Japan, is shown here on the slopes of Mount Hiko confronting a tengu dressed like a yamabushi, or mountain priest. Tengu are mythical creatures often depicted with wings and a large beak or long nose, and are said to be masters of combat. While his soldiers cower in fear, Takakage approaches the tengu and talks with him.

Series: New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts
Date 1889
Size: Oban
Publisher: Sasaki Toyokichi
Condition: Excellent color and condition (original album backing; light trimming)
Shown in Classic Wood, Walnut Frame

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s (1839-1892) Shinkei sanjurokkaissen (New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts) series of woodblock prints was the artist’s last series of works completed between 1889 and 1892 before his death. The prints from this series are exemplary of Yoshitoshi’s long interest on macabre and dark subjects, and is illustrative of his unique abilities to channel these subjects into beautifully captivating compositions. Tokaido Arts is pleased to offer a selection from one of Yoshitoshi’s most famous series of woodblock prints.