Yoshitsuya: Monster Ape In the Kiso Mountains (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Yoshitsuya 芳艶
Title: Monster Ape In the Kiso Mountains
Date: 1858

In the Kiso Mountains, Higuchi Kanemitsu Defeats a Giant Mountain Ape (Kiso sanchu Higuchi Kanemitsu ozaru taiji) 木曾山中　樋口兼光大狒々退治（ひぐちかねみつおほざるたいぢ）According to the MFA: “The name of the monster given in the title box on the right sheet is glossed “ôzaru” but written with characters that would normally be read “ôhihi;” a variant of the pronunciation is given the label beside the image of the creature on the left sheet, reading “Ôhishi.” Now the modern word for a baboon, “Hihi” also indicates a traditional ape-like monster.” The young Kanemitsu at right faces into the wind, his right hand grasping a bamboo pole. In the middle sheet is a large tree covered in climbing orange vines. On the left, on a branch overhanging the water is the monster ape, red with a white fur. We see three of his victims hanging down, all balanced from the ape’s teeth. This must be the point in story where the luck changes for the monster.

Condition: Excellent impression; very good color and condition. Creased.
Dimensions: ôban triptych
Publisher: Tsujiokaya Bunsuke
Signature: Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga

SKU: YOC037S