Yoshitoshi: Triptych of Supernatural Beings (Shirazunoyabu yawata no jikkai) (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title: Triptych of Supernatural Beings (Shirazunoyabu yawata no jikkai). 不知籔 八幡 之 實怪 (藪/薮) (実怪)
Date: 1881

The supernatural beings at Shirazunoyabu in Yawata. The three main wizard-like beings have an entourage of fanciful creatures who are amazed at the powers on display. Several dead birds and a few human skeletons litter the floor of the cave. (Shirazunoyabu Yawata no jikkai). The figure on the right is dressed in the manner of a Japanese samurai,/statesman, unlike the other two magicians. His label reads “Mito Komon Mitsukuni”, (also known as Mito Komon), who was a benevolent ruler of the Mito domain in the 1600s. Perhaps he represents the better aspects of effective government, but parsing the deeper meanings of this design would require the work of a dedicated scholar.

Condition: Excellent impression and color. Good/fair condition. Light center folds, some trimming and damaged area in middle sheet. Hinging remnants, verso. With added mica.
Dimensions: ôban triptych (35.5 x 73.7 cm)
Publisher: Kobayashi
Literature: Keyes thesis, number 443. See AIC, Philadelphia, Nelson-Atkins museum collections.
Seal: Yoshitoshi
Signature: Ôju Yoshitoshi (ga)

SKU: YOCS060