Yoshitoshi 芳年: Twisting the Nose of a Tengu

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年 (1839-1892) Title: Twisting the Nose of a Tengu at the Kompira Shrine at Toranomon Series: Crazy Pictures of Famous Places in Tokyo (Tokyo kaika kyôga meisho) 東京 開花 狂画 名所 Date: 1881 A large winged daitengu with a red face, white beard and the accouterments of a yamabushi stands rather sternly as two townsmen try to twist his long red nose. At left are two bystanders who egg them on.  In the background we see a western-style building with a clock tower and cupola. Kompira-san is the informal name of Kotohira Shrine, which enshrined Emperorer Sutoku. It is now hidden amongst the shadows of the skyscrapers of Toranomon. Condition: Excellent impression and color. Very good condition. Minor foxing on bottom edge. Dimensions: chuban (18.6 x 24.4 cm) Publisher: Tsunashima Kamekichi Literature: Keyes 436 (series) and Philadelphia Museum of Art Signature: --Yoshitoshi giga