Yoshitoshi: Fuwa Bansaku Looking Up at a Monster (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title: Fuwa Bansaku Looking Up at a Monster
Series: One Hundred Ghost Stories of China and Japan
Date: 1865

Fuwa Bansaku, who according to the inscription was one of the three bravest samurai of the Mori Family, looks up and notices a hideous monster on his umbrella. His stance and expression are utterly confident and unafraid. Bansaku is dressed as a handsome hero (nimaime) with high geta sandals and fine swords. He has come to a ruined temple to “examine mysterious ghosts” as explained in the title cartouche. The pitiable grey monster appears weightless atop Bansaku’s stylish umbrella.

Condition: Excellent impression and color. Very good condition. Crease in left margin and binding holes/ wormage in right margin.
Dimensions: ôban (36.5 x 24.8 cm)
Publisher: Daikokuya Kinnosuke (Kinjirô)
Literature: Beaty & Violence, series #10.15. See “Yoshitoshi’s Strange Tales”, number 8, page 44. Newland, Yoshitoshi (2011), #41; Addiss, Japanese Ghosts and Demons (1985, 2005), p. 41; Keyes, Bizarre Imagery of Yoshitoshi (1980), #4
Signature: Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga

SKU: YOT673