Yoshitoshi 芳年: Inga Kozo Rokunosuke Wiping Blood from his Sword 因果小僧六之助

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
Title: Inga Kozo Rokunosuke Wiping Blood from his Sword 因果小僧六之助  Date: 1866

Series: Twenty-eight Famous Murders with Verse 英名二十八衆句(Eimei nijuhasshuku)

Inga Kozô Rokunosuke wipes the blood from his sword. He looks up at the cloud-obscured full moon, (which is his only witness), his expression one of self-satisfaction without remorse. On the ground in front of him on the stone steps of Mimeguri Shrine we see the clothing of his victim and quite a bit of blood.

This character is associated with the Kumokiri gang, and the basis of his theatrical story comes from the kabuki play Ryōtomi-masu Takane no Kumokiri (竜三升高根雲霧), later known simply as Inga Kozō (因果小僧).

In this first edition the blood has been printed with a special substance that mimics dried, shiny blood. There is also an added substance on the sword that gives it a shiny gleam; perhaps glue mixed with mica. See our website for this same scene portrayed by Yoshitoshi ten years later.

Condition: Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Minor repairs near left margin.

Publisher: Kinseidô Dimensions: ôban 36.2 x 24.5 cm

Literature:  Keyes series 183. Beauty & Violence, series 16, number 2.

Signature: Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu

SKU: YOT956