Tsukioka Yoshitoshi - The Enlightenment of Jigoku Dayu

The Enlightenment of Jigoku-Dayu 'Jigoku-Dayu godo No Zu'

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's original woodcut, "The Enlightenment of Jigoku-Dayu 'Jigoku-Dayu godo No Zu'", hails from his series entitled, "New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts". This original woodcut is printed upon fine 19th century Japanese mulberry (rice) paper and with full margins as published by Sasaki Toyokichi in 1890. This is a unique trial proof impression and an important example of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's art.

The Enlightenment of Jigoku-Dayu

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 Enlightenment of Jigoku-Dayu 'Jigoku-Dayu godo No Zu'
Artist:	Yoshitoshi, Tsukioka (Japan, 1839 - 1892)
Date:	February 20, 1890
Medium:	Original Japanese Woodcut
Publisher:	Sasaki Toyokichi
Series:	New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts
Note:	Tsukioka Yoshitoshi: The undisputed master of Meiji period art dating between (1868 & 1912), Tsukioka 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, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi is now one of the most sought after of Japanese woodcut artists. The Enlightenment of Jigoku-Dayu is ranked as one of his finest late works of art.
	New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts: The Enlightenment of Jigoku-Dayu originates from Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's 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 by Matsuki Heikichi in 1902. 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. 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." *
Edition:	There can thus be no doubt that this impression of The Enlightenment of Jigoku-Dayu is extremely early. It is in fact a variant impression. or, in Western terms, a trial proof before publication. Comparing this impression to the published one in Stevenson's, Yoshitoshi's Thirty-Six Ghosts, one can immediately see that this impression was taken before the final block comprising the courtesan's procession of skeletons was added. And although every line in the depiction of Jigoku-Dayu matches perfectly with the published first edition impression, there are significant changes in colour modulations upon her robe. This is most noticeable on the lower left of the robe, where the scenes of Buddhist Hell are depicted. In this variant or trial proof impression, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and his printer have darkened the flames and blackened both the skin of the man-creature and the face above him. In fact, the face in this impression appears much more like that of a black cat than the tormented human face we see in the final version.
	The importance of this unique trial proof impression is clearly evident. Because it has survived we are privy to a glimpse into the remarkable mind of Yoshitoshi and how he built The Enlightenment of Jigoku-Dayu into one of his last great masterpieces.
Raisonne:	* John Stevenson, Yoshitoshi's Thirty-Six Ghosts, John Weatherhill Inc., New York, 1983
	Catalogue # XIV. A Unique Variant State before publication of the first edition.(Photographic reproductions from this text are provided as well as Stevenson's thematic comments regarding the woodcut.)
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 upon fine 19th century Japanese mulberry (rice) paper and with full margins as published by Toyokichi on the above date. There is slight soiling in the margins, else a magnificent impression bearing all the fine lines and vibrant colours of an initial printing. This is a unique variant or trial proof impression of this most famous woodcut by the Japanese artist, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. A more important example of Yoshitoshi's art will not be found.
Price:	Sold - The price is no longer available.
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