Tsukioka Yoshitoshi "The Story of Otomi and Yosabura"

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's series of diptychs, "New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures," is another fine example of the artist's incredible abilities as a visual storyteller. Produced between 1885-1899 in 23 separate designs, the prints weave together complex tales popular in Japan into a visual medium (i.e. as a "brocade"). The woodblock prints are exquisite, detailed, and complex, archetypes for Meiji-era woodblock prints, and perfectly captures Yoshitoshi at peak artistic form.

This design tells the story of Yosaburo, a criminal whose face is mutilated after being caught having an affair with Otomi, a geisha who is the mistress of a gangster. Here, Yosaburo and his partner Komoriyasu, whose face is tattooed with a bat, stand outside of Otomi's house, who Yosaburo believes was killed by the gangster. A medium-sized dog sits at the doorstep of Otomi's house.

Series: New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures
Date: 1885
Format: Oban Diptych (each sheet approx. 9" x 14")
Publisher: Tsunashima Kamekichi
Condition: Some very light soiling and spots on margin in right panel, centerfold; otherwise excellent with fine impression and color throughout

Shown matted 22" x 30". Framing available for local pickup only. Please contact us for details and pricing.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) was a master painter and woodblock print artist whose works have made an indelible mark on Japanese art and design to this day. His most famous series, "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon," comprise some of Yoshitoshi's best known designs.