c.1870

By Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833–6 February 1904), also known as Ochiai Yoshiiku.

Yoshiiku was a Japanese artist of the Utagawa school; he was a popular ukiyo-e printmaker during the Meiji period. It is thought that he was the son of a tea house proprietor, hence his particular skill and success in the portrayal of various beauties from teahouses and restaurants. Yet, he was an artist comfortable across subject matter and is recognized for his fierce portrayal of famous historical warriors.

Yoshiiku was a student of Kuniyoshi and a contemporary rival of the famed Yoshitoshi.

Woodblock printing in Japan was a technique best known for its use in the ukiyo-e. Widely adopted in Japan during the Edo period (1603–1868).

Cropped; minor tears.

360 x 235mm

R2,000