Skip to product information
1 of 2

Tomioka Eisen - The Hell Courtesan

Tomioka Eisen - The Hell Courtesan

Tomioka Eisen

This portrait of Jigoku Dayu ('The Hell Courtesan') emanating from mist drifting above a human skull accompanied the novel 'Shiki Soku Ze-ku' serialized in the Bungei Kurabu literary magazine in 1903. The title of the story, 'Shiki Soku Ze-ku,' is based on a Zen Buddhist sutra, the meaning of which can be translated as 'Form is Emptiness' or 'Everything Visible is Empty.'

The Kuchi-e Tradition - Kuchi-e prints are woodblock frontispiece illustrations used in the publication of Japanese novels and magazines around the turn of the 20th century. Most of kuchi-e prints were illustrations of bijin and continued the tradition of idealized beauties in Japanese art. The subjects, however, have a decidedly Meiji era feel about them and reflect the artistic movement towards more western design. Kuchi-e prints always have two folds, because of their insertion in a magazine or book as an illustrative print.

Condition: 2 folds and backed on thin Edo-era paper.

1903

Bungei Kurabu.

Size: Oban tate-e 14 3/8 by 9 3/8 in., 36.6 by 23.7 cm


 


Regular price €221,95 EUR
Regular price Sale price €221,95 EUR
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Your legal guarantee rights
  • Shipping to Germany
  • 30-Day Returns
  • Verified Authentic
View full details

Verified Authentic

We check every one of our original woodblock prints for authenticity before sale and describe it as it is and as shown. Unlike some print resellers, we don't make any Photoshop enhancements or add filters to our print images. Please check the print images front and back carefully before purchase; if you'd like additional pictures, feel free to contact us. In addition to your statutory right of withdrawal, you can return any print within 30 days of receipt; details on the page “Withdrawal and returns”.

  • It's a great looking piece which I am very happy and excited to add to my small collection! I really appreciate it.

    I enjoy your YouTube videos and I look forward to picking up more prints from you in the future.

    Rick

  • Dear Mr. Richard, opening the package and seeing the incredible bright colours and ornamental abundance of Yoshitoshi's diptych, it was just as printed today! It will be a pleasure to get more of your fine selected prints.

    L. F.

  • Josh and I just opened the package and want to thank you for this amazing Hiroshige print. The condition is better than we expected. Lovely to look at, will bring the family great joy. Happy New Year and thank you again.

    J.