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Yoshitoshi - Lord Wake no Kiyomaro

Yoshitoshi - Lord Wake no Kiyomaro

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Lord Wake no Kiyomaro Receiving Oracles from the Deity at Usa Hachiman Shrine. Wake no Kiyomaru, a trusted servant of three emperors, was known for his honesty. When a deceitful priest claimed a divine prophecy naming him the next emperor, Empress Koken sent Kiyomaru to investigate. Instead, he received a true oracle declaring that only nobles may rule and deceivers must be exiled. Yoshitoshi’s print captures the moment Kiyomaru receives the divine message, a turning point that preserved the throne and exposed the false prophet.

From the series: Twenty-four Accomplishments in Imperial Japan. It consists of images of various people (mostly samurai, with some others) who played notable roles in Japanese history. It dates from towards the end of Yoshitoshi's career, when he was about forty-two. The series was very popular while Yoshitoshi was alive, and it went through numerous printings. Several different states may be seen of these early printings (all with a red title cartouche); in some (perhaps the earliest, since it was the most work to produce) the text panel has several inclined bokashi stripes across it; in others (perhaps later), a simple band of bokashi at the top and bottom; and in others, no decoration at all.

The entire set was posthumously re-published between 1893 and 1895 by Matsuki Heikichi; paler colours were used, and some block changes were made. The easiest tell-tale for the second publishing is that the title cartouche is no longer red, but grey. The most significant change in most of the prints in that edition was the alteration of the signature: in all of them, the entire signature cartouche was removed, and replaced with a facsimile of the signature Yoshitoshi used toward the end of his life, along with a seal from that period.

Publisher: Tsuda Genshichi (first edition)

Date: 1883

Condition: Very good impression and color. Backed with thin Edo-era paper.

Genre: Ukiyo-e

Medium: Woodblock Print

https://www.yoshitoshi.net/series/24accomplishments.html

$435.00 USD
$435.00 USD
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Who Was Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892) was one of the most influential figures of late ukiyo-e and is widely regarded as the last great master of the tradition. Born in Edo to a prosperous merchant family, he showed artistic talent at an early age and became a student of Utagawa Kuniyoshi at just eleven years old. Under Kuniyoshi’s guidance, Yoshitoshi absorbed both classical woodblock techniques and Western approaches to shading, realism, and perspective, which helped shape the distinctive, dramatic style that defined his career.

Yoshitoshi first gained attention for powerful warrior prints and intense historical scenes, but he became especially known for his graphic muzan-e (“cruel pictures”) depicting violence, murder, and warfare. These works reflected both the turbulent social climate of the late Edo and early Meiji periods and his own personal struggles with mental health and financial hardship. His figures were more naturalistic and psychologically expressive than those of many contemporaries, combining traditional ukiyo-e design with a heightened sense of realism and emotion.

Later in life, Yoshitoshi turned increasingly toward poetic, imaginative, and elegant subjects. Masterpieces such as One Hundred Aspects of the Moon, Thirty-two Aspects of Women’s Customs and Manners, A Collection of Desires, and New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts reveal a quieter lyricism and technical refinement that contrast with his earlier brutality. Through these diverse bodies of work, Yoshitoshi preserved and revitalized ukiyo-e at a time when the medium was in decline, securing his legacy as its final great innovator.

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Yoshitoshi Videos

  • Yoshitoshi's Women - Woodblock Prints

    Among the many woodblock print masters who depicted women in their work, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi stands out. Learn about his most celebrated series.

    View on YouTube 

  • Fujiwara no Yasumasa

    Explore Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s legendary 1882 triptych Fujiwara no Yasumasa Plays the Flute by Moonlight. Learn the history behind the print.

    View on YouTube 

  • Unboxing Yoshitoshi woodblock prints

    Join me as we unbox 4 Yoshitoshi prints that we won at auction, for the first time. We'll examine the prints and discuss the stories and history behind them.

    View on YouTube 

Collector Reviews

  • 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.
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Guaranteed Authentic

All our original woodblock prints are guaranteed authentic as described and 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. If, after purchase, you're not satisfied for any reason, return your print for a full refund within 30 days.