Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree"

Cherry trees are a ubiquitous feature of the Japanese natural landscape, but they also serve an otherworldly function in cultural myths on life, death, and renewal. Here, the spirit of the Komachi cherry tree manifests itself as a beautiful courtesan surrounded by falling petals. The spirit protects the tree and offer comfort in times of grieving. Beautifully printed and composed, this is one of the series’ most famous images.

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.