Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "The Foxfires in Nijushiko"

Based on the play Honcho Nijushiko chronicling the feud between the Uesegi and Takeda clans in 16th century Japan, this woodblock print shows Princess Yaegeki of the Uesugi clan carrying a magical war helmet taken from the Takeda clan. In her effort to escape unseen, she is shown being guided by magic foxfires across a frozen lake. 

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.