Yoshitoshi: Picture of the Priest Dainin Killing the Girl Umegae (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title: Picture of the Priest Dainin Killing the Girl Umegae (Daininbô Umegae o satsugai no zu)
Series: New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures: SHINSEN AZUMA NISHIKIE
Date: 1886

The exact kabuki play that Yoshitoshi based this design upon is not known. The willow in the picture symbolizes female submission. Yoshitoshi has chosen the peak dramatic moment of a kabuki play, and has filled the picture with symbolism. The evil priest Dainin is captivated by the cuckoo’s appearance at left. The cry of the cuckoo is generally associated with pain, tears and blood. The young woman’s name, Umegae, roughly translates into “plum twig”, and stylized plum blossoms float on her kimono. The three-colored cartouche is considered to indicate the earliest edition.

Condition: Excellent impression and color. Very good condition.  Untrimmed and unbacked. First edition. 
Dimensions: ôban diptych 37.2 x 49 cm
Publisher: Tsunashima Kamekichi
Literature: See “Beauty & Violence”, color image 55.11, page 77.
Seal: Taiso
Signature: Yoshitoshi

SKU: YOT752