TAIRA NO KOREMOCHI: FROM THE SERIES: DAI NIPPON MEISHO KAGAMI: A MIRROR OF FAMOU

[Tokyo] 1879, Funazu. A single Oban sheet size 23.5 x 35.5cm print size 20.5 x 32 cm., signed & sealed in the block, very good, beautiful colors, rebacked with tissue sheet, print not affected. Superb work ! R A R E A spectacular acton work. Shows Koremochi falling backwards blue-blade sword flashing, as he repels the blue-faced wild haired Devil, while the autumn-red miniature Japanese maple [Momiji] leaves float in the air from the disturbance. Kore- mochi's pinkish-white cloak shows an intricate pattern carv- ed in the blocks, but printed without color by the most dif- ficult and subtle "gauffrage" technique. The Devil avoids Koremachi's dangerous sword in his jump into the air. A most impressive scene, suitable for framing & library display.See E. van den Inge et al: BEAUTY & VIOLENCE JAPANESE PRINTS BY YOSHITOSHI 1839-1892, p.116 & example prints from this ser- ies. Also illustrated in Divine Dementia as no. 84. Yoshi- toshi was the superb master of Samurai action and dramatic prints reflecting Bushido or the Samurai spirit. He excelled at this and has never been surpassed. His prints truly ref- lect the Japanese warrior spirit, many of which were banned during the Meiji era as too 'nationalistic' by the govern- ment. . Always R A R E ! .