Yoshitoshi: Kiyohime Transforming into a Serpent at Hidaka River (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title: Kiyohime Transforming into a Serpent at Hidaka River
Series: New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts
Date: 1890

Kiyohime emerging from the Hidakagawa (River) after transforming herself into a serpent in order to cross the river to follow her crush, a monk named Anchin. She emerges from the water here, wringing out her hair, partially transformed. Her robes evoke a serpent’s scales and her body is lengthening. It is perhaps a cautionary tale about the dangers of unrequited passion and uncontrolled emotions. 25 Years earlier Yoshitoshi published a design of this story in the series “100 Ghost Stories of China and Japan”.

Condition:Excellent impression and color; very good condition. First edition. Dimensions: oban (36.5 x 25.1 cm)

Publisher: Sasaki Toyokichi
Literature: See Stevenson’s Yoshitoshi’s Thirty Six Ghosts, plate XI, page 40.
Seal: Taiso
Signature: Yoshitoshi

SKU: YOCS018