Antique Japanese Woodblock Print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi -Scene in Tea House, circa 1886
Presented is a beautiful Japanese full oban-size woodblock print created by the renowned artist of the late Edo/Meiji period, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1893).
The print was created as part of the series of prints "A New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures. " It is a right part of a diptych called "Shiraito of the Hashimotoya House: A Scene at a Teahouse". A samurai called Mondo fell in love with a courtesan, Shiraito, and spent most of his time in the teahouse Hashimoya, where she was working. The print depicts a moment when Mondo's wife came to the teahouse to confront Mondo and Shiraito. The wife is dressed in black garments as a mourning widow; Mondo is half-dressed and drunk, supported by one of the girls from the house. We see the shadows of joyful celebrations behind the house's wall.
This is a very interesting and unusual subject. Yoshitoshi was a master of unconventional, fantastic subject matter. His extraordinary prints were quite popular at the time and remain popular today.
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Taiso) was a well-known ukiyo-e artist at the end of the Edo- beginning of the Meiji period. He is renowned for his notable series, "100 Aspects of the Moon". Born on April 30, 1839, he became a student at the school of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, a prominent ukiyo-e artist, at age 11. Among his schoolmates was Yoshiiku, who often bullied the young Yoshitoshi, fostering a rivalry and hostility that persisted throughout their lives. At the age of fourteen, Yoshitoshi created his inaugural woodblock print—a triptych portraying the naval battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185, where the Minamoto clan triumphed over the Taira clan. In that same year, 1853, U.S. Commodore Perry arrived with a fleet of battleships, compelling Japan's opening to the West.
His style was characterized by bold lines, vibrant colors, and intricate details. He had a unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects, infusing them with energy and personality. Yoshitoshi's prints were highly popular during his lifetime and continue to be admired for their technical skill and storytelling abilities.
Many museums in the world have Yoshitoshi's works:
British Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY
Museum of Fine Arts in Boston
Tokyo National Museum
Museum of Fine Arts in Houston
Honolulu Museum of Art
and many others.
The print was made using the Japanese woodblock technique during the artist's lifetime.
It is not framed but mounted on a professionally made mat.
AUTHOR: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
TITLE: Scene in a Teahouse, Courtesan Shiroito of the Hachimoya house.
SERIES: "A New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures"
CREATED: 1886
PAPER: washi paper
METHOD OF PRINTING: Woodblock printing
PRINTED: Lifetime printing circa 1880s
PRINT SIZE: 14" X 9.75"
Condition: Great condition, nice colors, strong impression, no damages, losses, or repairs. pinholes at the right edge from binding. See the pictures for the details.
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