Description

月岡芳年 Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) Original Woodblock Print / 'Dainihon Meishokagami' 大日本名将鑑 (Great Japanese Generals) OW401

月岡芳年 Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi was a Japanese printmaker. Yoshitoshi has widely been recognized as the last great master of the ukiyo-e genre of woodblock printing and painting. He studied history painting under Kikuchi Yosai and also adopted Western painting techniques, developing a diverse style. He produced a wide variety of ukiyoe, including historical paintings, portraits of beautiful women, portraits of actors, genre paintings, classical paintings, and pictures of battles, and displayed a unique style in each field. He is also known as "bloody Yoshitoshi" for his shocking and cruel paintings, although the number of his paintings is not large among his many works. He was the most successful Ukiyo-e artist at a time when the demand for Ukiyo-e was declining.

This sheet is unmistakably an original woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892), preserved in its unbacked state and retaining the crisp impression and tactile depth characteristic of genuine Meiji‑period printing. Part of the series “Dainihon Meishōkagami” (Great Japanese Generals), the work showcases Yoshitoshi’s dramatic command of narrative: a fierce clash rendered with dynamic poses, powerful diagonals, and the emotional intensity that made him the final towering figure of ukiyo‑e. Trained under Kikuchi Yosai and known for blending historical painting with Western techniques, Yoshitoshi moved fluidly between genres—yet his battle scenes, with their psychological weight and bold composition, remain among his most compelling achievements. Though he produced works ranging from beauties to actor portraits, it was this ability to capture raw human struggle that earned him the reputation of “bloody Yoshitoshi.” This authentic, period‑printed impression stands as a vivid example of his late‑Edo to Meiji artistry at full force.

Not backed

Dimensions: 9.5" x 14" / 24.3cm x 35.8cm

Material: Mulberry Paper
Technique: Woodblock print

Weight: 10g

Condition

Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: STAIN, DAMAGE a little, FOLD.

About the colors of the photos

The color of the actual item may look different from the picture because of the lighting. The color on a photo can differ because of light, screen settings, personal color perception, etc. Please understand that we can't control the varying light in different environments. Please read the description, check the actual photos, and ask questions if doubts in advance.

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