Foundations of Morality and Success - Many artists created designs for this long-running newspaper series depicting both contemporary and historical heroes and heroines. These exemplary individuals were thought to embody values to both inspire and encourage readers. The series was published by Heikichi Matsuki of the Daikokuya publishing firm, a company established in 1763 and known for its high quality woodblock designs. Daikokuya commissioned leading artists of the day, such as Yoshitoshi, Toshikata, Kiyochika, and Kunichika, to create these wonderful designs. Beautifully detailed with fine line work and soft shading, these great Meiji era prints were singled out for recognition by the Japanese government when the series was completed in 1890 for encompassing such uplifting and noble subjects. First edition prints feature a patterned border in a variety of colors, while the 1902 edition has plain paper borders. A fascinating series and a great choice for a collector interested in life in late 19th century Japan.
Young Artist Myotaku - Interesting scene of the young monk Myotaku examining an image he has painted of the Buddhist deity Fudu Myoo. A disciple of Muso Kokushi, Myotaku liked to draw even though Kokushi was opposed to him doing so. One day the older monk saw his young student with a painting he had made of Fudu Myoo. He was so surprised by the skill the boy showed, that he allowed him to draw and paint from then on. Here, Kokushi peers through the sliding panels into a room where the boy is working. Myotaku holds up the painting, eyeing it critically, a brush between his teeth and his paints and tools spread out on the floor beside him. The light shining through the fine silk casts an orange colored shadow of the flames surrounding Fudu Myoo on the wall, which in turn surrounds the silhouette of the boy on the sliding panel behind him. A handsome design, detailed with delicate cloth embossing on the painting.
Artist - Yasuji Inoue (1864 - 1889)
Image Size - 14" x 9"
Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with somewhat stiff paper. Slight toning. Please see photos for details.
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