Yoshitoshi: Sakura Sogo no Hanashi

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

This diptych by Yoshitoshi shows the scene of a tragic story. Called Sakura Sogo no hanashi, or the The Story of Sakura Sogo, It’s based on a Japanese farmer named Sogoro. In his area in the year 1653 the ruler was a man named Masanobu and he was imposing a huge tax on the farmers so they could barely live. Soga decided to go directly to the Shogun and complain. His complaint worked and the taxes on the farmers were reduced but what he did was illegal and Masanobu was said to have crucified Sogo and his wife and beheaded their children. In this print Sôgo visits his family for the last time and his children cling to him and try to stop him from leaving. You can see the great detail in the kimonos. 

I had another version of this print but it wasn’t in as good condition as this one. If you go to Narita in Japan you can visit the Sogo Reido Sanctuary and pay your respects.

Series A New Selection of Eastern Brocades

Size: 18.5 inches x 13.8 inches

Date: 1886 

Condition: Print is in great condition, not backed, separate sheets, borders as shown. Some yellowing due to age.

Publisher: Tsunashima Kamekichi