The Warrior Hojo Takatoki Performing the Tengu Dance (Tengu Mai)
Tokyo: Akiyama Buemon, 1898. Colour woodblock diptych with silver highlights, printed on cream-coloured paper. Total size 46 cm x 33.5 cm when placed side by side (with small overlap). The first image is 22.5 cm x 33.5 cm, the second 23.5 cm x 33.5 cm. The prints are presented in a folder with cream back and black front with window cut out. Small tears on top corners of the first (left-hand side) print, some pencil marks on lower section of both prints; otherwise a very good set of prints. This finely detailed Japanese woodblock diptych by Migata Toshihide depicts the warrior Hojo Takatoki performing the tengu dance accompanied by two tengu (goblins). It forms part of Toshihide's series titled "Meiyo juhachi ban" ("Eighteen Acts of Glory" or "Eighteen Honourable Acts").
Migata Toshihide (Japanese, 1863-1925) was a versatile artist active during the late 1800s. Aside from printmaking, he also painted artworks, made ceramics and taught art students. He was a member of the Nihon Bijutsu Kyokai (Japan Art Association) and Nihon Bijutsuin (Japan Art Institute). He is best known for his Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese War prints, but also created bijin-ga (prints of beautiful women) and illustrations for newspapers and novels.
This print shows a great delicacy of linework and colouration, and includes highlights of silver. The figures display an elegant flow and movement, evoking the graceful movements of their dance. Item #5088
Price (AUD): $575.00