Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Minamoto no Yorimitsu Striking the Earth Spider"

Minamoto no Yorimitsu, also known as Raiko, is a 11th century warrior said to have rid Kyoto of demons alongside his famous companion, Watanabe no Tsuna. One day, Raiko is suffering from a fever and falls asleep, only to be awaked by a giant spider binding him with silk rope. Although weak, Raiko strikes the spider and chases it away, eventually killing it. The story is also a subject of one of Kuniyoshi's most famous ghost prints showing Raiko sleeping and haunted by the spider while his vassals play go.

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.