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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


 


$245.00 USD
$245.00 USD
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    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.

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  • 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.