Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Kuzunoha, the Fox-Wife, and Her Child"

The fox is a popular feature in Japanese supernatural mythology. Cunning, intelligent, and loyal, foxes have the ability to shape-shift into humans. This print tells the story of a fox-woman Kuzunoha who is forced to leave her family after her true form is discovered. As she leaves, her shadow is cast on the screen revealing her supernatural form. Kuzunoha continues to look over her son, and also imparts on him the ability to speak to animals.

Series: New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts
Date 1890
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.