Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Tametomo Drives Away the Smallpox Demons"

The 12th century warrior Minamoto no Tametomo is said to be freakishly large, possess enormous strength, and is a skilled warrior. One story claims Tametomo sank a ship with one arrow. Tametomo and his imposing presence and strength is said to have conquered armies. Here he is shown scaring off the smallpox demons plaguing the island of Okinawa. 

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.