Very good condition overall. There are no tears or insect damage. The print shows only minimal staining near the lower portion and slight age-related creasing. The lines remain sharp and the colors vivid, preserving the detail and visual impact of the composition.
This original Meiji-period woodblock print was created in 1887 by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi as part of his series Lives of Modern People.
The print portrays Lady Kido Suikōin, born Matsuko, a Kyoto geisha who became associated with some of the most influential figures of the late Tokugawa and early Meiji periods. She later married Kido Takayoshi, one of the principal architects of the Meiji Restoration. According to historical accounts, Matsuko also acted as an informant and intermediary during the turbulent years leading up to the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Yoshitoshi presents her with dignity and elegance, emphasizing both her historical importance and personal refinement. The composition is notable for its carefully rendered architectural details, sophisticated shading techniques, and the subtle psychological depth that characterize the artist's mature work.
Often regarded as the last great master of ukiyo-e, Yoshitoshi helped carry traditional woodblock printing into the modern era. His prints combined classical craftsmanship with a growing interest in historical realism and individual character, making his work among the most respected and sought-after of the Meiji period.
The subject itself reflects the dramatic social changes of nineteenth-century Japan, illustrating how individuals from unexpected backgrounds could become participants in the events that transformed the nation.
A finely preserved example of Yoshitoshi's late work, combining historical significance, technical excellence, and one of the most fascinating female figures of the Meiji Restoration period. Suitable for collectors of Meiji history, Yoshitoshi prints, and notable women in Japanese history.
