Maisaka 舞坂 - From the series 'Tōkaidō' 東海道 (Processional) - 1863 - Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)

Maisaka on the Tokaido Station
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Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
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Publisher: Kakumotoya Kinjiro
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Signed by artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
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Date/period: 1863
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Condition: Good color impression and condition, traces of aging. Multiple pinholes on right side of the print. Trimmed margins
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See Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: https: //collections. mfa. org/objects/207318
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{About the print & artist}
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Embark on a visual journey through the eyes of the young and talented artist Yoshitoshi as he contributes to a captivating Japanese print capturing the majestic procession of a powerful military leader and regional lords on Lake Hamana in 1863.
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Commissioned to promote the historical journey from the political capital to the imperial city, this collaborative masterpiece brings together sixteen renowned artists, with Yoshitoshi standing out even in his early 20s.
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Yoshitoshi's distinctive touch is evident in his portrayal, opting for an unusual 3/4 back view that dominates the canvas, filling it with the grandeur of the watercraft. The fluttering banners of various regional lords and the intricate details of the vessel not only highlight the opulence of the military leader's entourage but also serve as a testament to Yoshitoshi's artistic brilliance.
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As you explore Yoshitoshi's contribution to this series, it becomes clear that his designs go beyond the visual spectacle. In this particular print, he skillfully captures the essence of a transitional period in history, subtly alluding to the diminishing influence of the military leader.