Naosuke Gombei

Artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年 (Japanese, 1839–1892)

Publisherpublished by Sanoya Tomigorō (Japanese, 19th century)

Date5th month 1867

Mediumwoodblock print; ink, color, and glue on paper

DimensionsOban: 35 × 23.6 cm (13 3/4 × 9 5/16 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund

Terms

Object number2002.71

DescriptionThis series is particularly graphic––here, the cruelty with which Gombei murders his master is enhanced by the bright aniline reds and the use of deer glue to imitate congealed blood. Many have associated this brutality with Yoshitoshi’s mental instability, but, while undoubtedly grisly, they reflect a general preference for the gruesome in the Bakumatsu era (1853–67), a trend that has roots as early as the 1820s. This series was actually produced in collaboration with fellow Kuniyoshi student Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833–1904), with each artist contributing fourteen designs, though it continues to be associated primarily with Yoshitoshi’s name.
Label TextThis series is particularly graphic––here, the cruelty with which Gombei murders his master is enhanced by the bright aniline reds and the use of deer glue to imitate congealed blood. Many have associated this brutality with Yoshitoshi’s mental instability, but, while undoubtedly grisly, they reflect a general preference for the gruesome in the Bakumatsu era (1853–67), a trend that has roots as early as the 1820s. This series was actually produced in collaboration with fellow Kuniyoshi student Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833–1904), with each artist contributing fourteen designs, though it continues to be associated primarily with Yoshitoshi’s name.ProvenanceKatie and Scott McDonald, Rochester, NY

On View

Not on view