Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Nitta no Tadatsune Sees an Apparition in a Cave"

The 12 century samurai, Nitta Tadatsune, is said to have subdued a giant boar during a hunting expedition led by Minamoto no Yoritomo. As a reward, Tadatsune was given a large plot of land. Here, Tadatsune is shown exploring a cave on the side of Mt. Fuji, where he meets Kannon, one of Japan's most popular Buddhist deities, who congratulates him on his recent act of courage. 

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.