Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size.

A triptych showing koi, “carp” swimming beneath hanging wisteria. One of Yoshitoshi’s finest and most popular designs. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 5/1889. See Beauty and Violence, Society for Japanese Arts, 1992, no. 66, p. 144 for another impression plus the original drawing by Yoshitoshi ( from the British Museum ). Also see this website in Brush Drawings and Hanshita-e for another two original drawings of koi by Yoshitoshi, possibly preliminary working ideas for the British Museum drawing. Yoshitoshi only produced one other carp print, a large surimono. Common carp were first bred for colour in Japan in the 1820s. Their name is a homophone for another word meaning “love” or “fidelity” and they are symbols of love and friendship in Japan.

Very fine impression and colour. Slight oxidation although not as much as is usually found on this design. Slight signs of mounting au verso, otherwise very good condition.

Status: Sold