Yoshitoshi 芳年: Nine-Dragon Tattoo 史家村月夜 九紋龍 (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年 (1839-1892)

Title: Moonlit Night at Shi Village - Nine-tattoo Dragon Shika no mura tsuki ya - Kyumonryo 史家村月夜 九紋龍

Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon 月百姿  Date: 1885

Shi Jin, a hero from the Chinese Suikoden novels, relaxes in quiet contemplation, fan in hand beneath a full summer moon and the boughs of a willow tree. He is about to flee his home village to join a group of Robinhood-like bandits, thus becoming an outlaw. His handsome features and relaxed posture are contrasted by his fierce tattoo of nine dragons which covers his muscular arms, torso and thighs. We can feel the summer breeze at it blows strands of hairs across his face. There is blindprinting both in the white of the square cartouche and on the flowing length of his white undergarment. One of the finest works in this series in exceptional, rarely-encountered condition.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Exceptional, with large margins, perfect color, and even visible woodgrain.  Dimensions: ôban (37 x 25.5cm)
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon.
Literature: Stevenson #6. See British Museum.
Seal: Taiso  Signature: Yoshitoshi

SKU: YOT933