Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

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A silhouetted fireman faces a conflagration; in his left hand he holds a matori, a three-dimensional standard which identifies him and his location. Enchu no tsuki, “Moon and Smoke” from Tsuki hyakushi, “One Hundred Aspects of the Moon.” Published by Akiyama Buemon (Akiyama Seikichi) 1885-1892, this being 1886. The firemen’s heavily-quilted jackets were soaked in water to better enable them to withstand the heat. They were notorious for their rowdy behaviour and rivalrous nature leading to open hostility with other groups such as sumo wrestlers. Fires were a constant threat due to the building materials used, and firefighters were not above starting fires themselves in order to be the first on the scene (especially if they were in the construction business).

Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi. A gourd-shaped collector’s seal (unread) in the extreme left bottom which is found on other early impressions of this set.

Status: Available