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YOSHITOSHI, Tsukioka  (1839 - 92)		'Yoshitoshi's Selection of One Hundred Warriors' Kaidai hyaku senso
		Signed:                    Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu Sealed:                     Taiso Publisher:               Daikyodo (Ohashi) Date:                        1868 Size:                         oban tate-e (c. 35.6 x 24 cms / 14" x 9 1/2") Impression: very good Colors: fine Condition: very slightly trimmed at top, else very good. Original album backing. A work from Yoshitoshi's early period introducing an entirely new style to ukiyo-e. ref. no.:  # 601811 Price:  € 1,100.00

The print shows Goto Matabei Mototsugu (d. 1615 at Osaka castle) on horseback with the banner of Naito Masanaga in the background. "The series depicts half-length figures of leaders and soldiers from the sixteenth century, although it was actually based on Yoshitoshi's impressions of the battle of Ueno in 1868 to which he was an eyewitness. The series was a very innovative work, it contains many strikingly original designs and presents western techniques of shading and foreshortening." (Note the, - for the time -, unusually low 'camera' angle, hitherto unknown in ukiyo-e.) "Perhaps this originality is why this series was discontinued after sixty-five of the hundred forseen designs. Another striking aspect of this series is the freshness of the colors and the meticulous care with which it was printed. Later editions do not seem to exist, which is a further indication that the series did not sell very well." (Quotes from: Heroes and Ghosts, see below.) Reference: - Schaap/v.d.Ing, Heroes and Ghosts ..., 1992; series #22, pp. 46-47 & pp. 108-110. This design: #22.19. - R. Keyes, Courage and Silence, 1982; no. #223

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