Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree

Yoshitoshi's original woodcut, "The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree" is the eighth published print that originates from his last great set of woodcuts entitled, New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts deals with supernatural apparitions commonly known in Japan as Yokai. Within this series of thirty-six prints one finds the beauty, the horror and the wonder that distinguishes Yoshitoshi's genius. This impression is printed upon Japanese mulberry paper, with full margins as printed by Matsuki Heikichi in 1902. Ranked among his finest late works of art, "The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree" is a striking, original example of the art created by the Japanese artist, Yoshitoshi.

The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree

View other original woodcuts by the Japanese artist, Yoshitoshi.

Yoshitoshi, Tsukioka (Japan, 1839 - 1892)
#	Image	Title & Artist	Medium	Date	Publisher	-
01-		Dakki no Ohyaku, Eimei Nijuhasshuku (Encounter with the Ghost, from the 'Twenty-Eight Murders with Verses') by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi	Original Woodcut	1866	Published by Sanoya Tomigoro-	Sold
02.-		Sadness of the Princess, Sayohime, at the departure of her Husband, Otomo No Sadehiko, Series: Mirror of Famous Japanese Generals by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi	Original Woodcut	1879	Published by Funazu Chujiro	Available
03.-		The Enlightenment of Jigoku-Dayu, Series: New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi	Original Woodcut	1890	Published by Sasaki Toyokichi	Sold
04.-		The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree, Series: New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi	Original Woodcut	1889	Published by Sasaki Toyokichi	Sold
05.-		Woman Seated in Front of her Mirror, Series: A Collection of desires by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi	Original Woodcut	1878	Published by Inoue Shigehei	Sold

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Title:	The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree
Artist:	Yoshitoshi, Tsukioka (Japan, 1839 - 1892)
Date:	October 1889
Medium:	Original Japanese Woodcut
Publisher:	Sasaki Toyokichi
Printer:	Matsuki Heikichi
Source:	New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts
Note:	Yoshitoshi:The undisputed master of Meiji period art dating between (1868 & 1912), Yoshitoshi's woodcuts are now ranked beside those of Hiroshige, Hokusai and his former master, Kuniyoshi. Yoshitoshi became a star pupil of Kuniyoshi at the young age of eleven and, in 1853, designed his first published woodcut print at age fourteen. Until 1860, Yoshitoshi's art was influenced by the dominant Utagawa style, but after that date he broke out into a striking form of artistic expression that was all his own. Daring colour combinations combined with dramatic and expressive postures began to lead the way, quickly influencing an entire era of Japanese art. This is all the more remarkable when one considers that through most of his life Yoshitoshi was continually afflicted with serious eye disorders and mental breakdowns. At the time of his death, Yoshitoshi's fame was so widespread that he had over eighty recorded pupils.
	Deservedly, Yoshitoshi is now one of the most sought after of Japanese woodcut artists. "The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree" is ranked among his finest late works of art.
	"The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree" originates from his last great set of woodcuts entitled, New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts. Within this series of thirty-six prints one finds the beauty, the horror and the wonder that distinguishes Yoshitoshi's genius. Work on the "New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts" was spread over a three year period, from 1889 to Yoshitoshi's death. Each woodcut was put on sale as soon as it was printed and published by Toyokichi. The set was extremely popular and a second edition was issued in 1902 by Matsuki Heikichi, a former student of Yoshitoshi and described to be the greatest printer-publisher of the late Meiji era. Distinguishing impressions from the two editions is very easy. The first edition woodcuts display vibrant colours where later impressions relied upon a more subdued, almost pastel palette. Such is here the case with this beautiful original impression. Furthermore, John Stevenson, in his book, Yoshitoshi's Thirty-Six Ghosts, writes, "The cartouche at the top right frames the title of the design. The colors in this cartouche are a clue to the impression. Three well-delineated colors show the print to be among the first off the blocks. On subsequent pullings, the colors in the cartouche are lighter and number only two." *
	"The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree" is the eighth published print from the series. It stands as Yoshitoshi's final testament to the beauty of the Japanese courtesan. The importance of both this woodcut and the series it originates from cannot be overestimated. An entire book has been written on this subject and "The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree" is deservedly illustrated on the front cover. *
	A note on the Yokai & the Oni from Japanese legends: Supernatural apparitions commonly known in Japan as Yokai, sometimes spelled (Youkai), have been around in Japanese legends for centuries. Stories of the exploits of those worshiped as gods, and the misdeeds of the threatening, dark forces behind the noxious and sinister nature of those thought to be demons have been passed down through legends and folklore, eventually making their way into popular culture. Other words that have a similar meaning as Yokai may include, 'ayakashi, 'mononoke', or mamono', and a common English translation for Yokai is 'monster', but in reality, its meaning encompasses a vast array of mythological phenomenon. According to various superstitions and legends, it is believed yokai have an innate connection to the moon, some youkai are recognized as beneficial, and said to have the power to bestow good fortune and health; while others are presumed evil, dangerous, or just untrustworthy, and capable of frightening, intimidating, or even murdering their victims. Although they are very different in nature and appearance, most Yokai have certain characteristics in common, such as their arrogant attitude towards humans, their mischievous, and impish disposition, mystic powers, and the ability to create pandemonium. Today, Yokai are most often described as unexplained, but powerful apparitions with bewitching, or grotesque features. One of the most common powers attributed to the Yokai is the ability to alter their appearance, transforming or metamorphosing into anything or anyone, a clever trick that could lead to disconcerting or frightful experiences for humans. In Japanese folklore beings that posses this power are known as shape shifters, and changelings (obake, and bakemono). Yoshitoshi's original woodcut, "The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree" is a striking example of Japanese art portraying supernatural apparitions.
Raisonne:	* John Stevenson, Yoshitoshi's Thirty-Six Ghosts, John Weatherhill Inc., New York, 1983, pp. 34-35. Catalogue # VIII, Heikichi's second edition.
Size:	OBAN (Sizes in inches are approximate, height preceding width of plate-mark or image.)
	Framed and Matted with 100% Archival Materials
	View larger Framed Image

Condition:	Printed on late 19th century Japanese mulberry (rice) paper as printed in 1902 in Heikichi's second edition. Containing a restored hole to the right of the Spirit, else a strong impression with brightly defined lines and colours. One should take note that "The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree" is one of Yoshitoshi's most highly regarded woodcuts.
Price:	Sold - The price is no longer available.
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