Yoshitoshi: Descending Geese at Yahagibashi (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title: Descending Geese at Yahagibashi
Series: Eight Views from Fine Tales of Warriors (Bidan musha hakkei)
Date: 1868

Descending Geese at Yahagibashi. A group of armed ruffians led by Hachisuka Koruku pause to harass the young Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was homeless at the time after fleeing an apprenticeship. One of the most storied warriors in Japanese history, here he is shown unarmed, young and vulnerable. He is holding on to the handle of the leader’s naginata, who casts an angry backward glance at him. One man sees to be raising his hand after striking the boy, and another man threatens him with a lit torch. They are about to cross Yahagibashi (Bridge) beneath a full moon. Geese fly in formation overhead. Although this was Yoshitoshi’s first triptych series, he shows his command of composition and atmosphere, and he displays his ability to show the human figure and face from every angle with success. They are surely up to no good. An extremely early version of this work, with woodgrain visible in the sky and ground and beautiful printing.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed; mint.
Dimensions: ôban triptych
Publisher: Kinseidô
Literature: Keyes 200.6.
Signature: Ikkesai Yoshitoshi hitsu

SKU: YOT626