Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Japanese, 1839-1892

The Story of Jirozaemon of Sano, 1886
from the series: Newly Selected Edo Color Prints
Published by Akiyama Buemon
With Taiso seal (Great Resurrection) of artist

Nishiki-e (color woodblock print)
Oban format
Diptych

Museum Collection
Purchased with grant from the Carpenter Foundation


The more spectacular courtesans of the pleasure district seemed like goddesses to visiting country bumpkins, like Jirozaemon. He fell in love with Yatsuhashi while she was parading through the streets, and murdered her and a crowd of other people out of jealousy, when she refused his advances for a more attractive suitor. Kabuki theater staged this possibly true tale, which embodies both the adoration and persecution of courtesans. Yoshitoshi's version of the tale stains the spectator with blood and poetry, while the courtesan's love letters fly away like birds.



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