Antique Kawanabe Kyosai woodblock print "Shadow Benkei / Giving extra money to a thief"

"Shadow Benkei / Giving extra money to a thief"
One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai

Kawanabe Kyōsai (1831–1889) was a leading figure of late Edo and early Meiji Japanese art, often called the “Demon of Painting” (画鬼). Renowned as a grotesque realist and satirical master, he is widely represented in major museum collections worldwide.

Original Japanese woodblock print from the late Edo to early Meiji period, from the series One Hundred Pictures by Kyōsai (Kyōsai Hyakuzu). The series was published between 1863 and 1886. Printed in the nishiki-e technique on traditional washi paper, this sheet represents a nineteenth-century impression from the historical publication run of the series.

The work reflects Kyosai’s characteristic satirical approach, based on visual interpretations of folk wisdom, idioms, cultural sayings, and humorous observation. The linework and compositional manner correspond to the early editions of the Kyosai Hyakuzu series.

Style note

Late-Edo to early-Meiji nishiki-e with characteristic satirical linework of the Kyosai Hyakuzu series.

Condition

Antique condition. Antique works may show natural signs of age (toning, small creases, minor corner wear), so please review the photos carefully.

Size

Size (approx.): 18 × 12 cm.

Shipping

Safe and tracked shipping from Latvia (Riga Gallery of Japanese Art CloudyYokomido).

For US buyers: this item enters the United States duty-free.