Yoshitoshi: The Story of Priest Nittô of Emmeiin Temple (Emmeiin Nittô Banashi) (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title: The Story of Priest Nittô of Emmeiin Temple (Emmeiin Nittô Banashi)
Series: New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures: SHINSEN AZUMA NISHIKIE
Date: 1885

The Priest Nittô of Emmein Temple was formerly the kabuki actor Onoe Kikugorô II. Strikingly handsome, he was involved in numerous scandalous affairs, even after becoming the head priest of the temple. Here he is shown after a liason with Okoro, the head servant of a wealthy family, in a guest room of the family mansion. He is suggestively lifting the hanging scroll in the tokonoma alcove while Okoro adjusts her coiffure with a knowing look. It is only in very early editions like this one that we get the full effect of the genius of the artist, the block cutter and the printer.

Condition: Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Crease near left margins.
Dimensions: ôban diptych
Publisher: Tsunashima Kamekichi
Literature: See “Yoshitoshi: The Splendid Decadent”, page 137, figure 35.
Seal: Taiso
Signature: Yoshitoshi

SKU: YOT231