Yoshitoshi: Himematsu Rikinosuke Flying Through Clouds

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 芳年 (1839-1892) Title: Himematsu Rikinosuke Flying Through Clouds Series: Handsome Heroes of the Suikoden (Biyû Suikoden) Date: 1866 Himematsu Rikinosuke (Chikaranosuke) although in human form, flies through the air with the magic of the tengu. He holds the tengu’s magic fan made of feathers in his right hand, and seems to run upon the wind itself. The sky, comprised of invisible winds made visible, is most creatively accomplished, the clouds visible as spiral puffs of black and grey. The edges of Rikinosuke’s cloak also give the feeling of feathers. Floating around him are unusual, palm-like leaves that echo the shape of his magic feather fan. Chikaranosuke is apparently a popular motif in irezumi (tattoo) designs. Condition: Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Thin layer of backing remnants, verso. Dimensions: vertical chûban 24 x 17.3 cm Publisher: Kin-Kyû (Ômiya Kyûjirô) Literature: See “Yoshitoshi Taiso: Fünfzig Helden des Suikoden” by Gottfried Ruetz, (1987), fig. 20. Keyes 166.27. See Chazen Museum of Art and the Philadelphia Museum of Art collections online. Signature: Kaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu