The Lucky Teakettle of Morin Temple, No. 34 from the series: New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts

A wonderful Yoshitoshi ghost print and a personal favorite. The story goes that a woodcutter saved a badger’s life and in gratitude the badger, which like a fox is capable of many transformations, turned itself into a teakettle. The woodcutter sold the kettle to a priest, but temple life was not comfortable for the kettle. One day the priest placed it over a fire, the kettle sprouted legs and turned into a badger and began running around the temple in search of a route of escape. Yoshitoshi’s charming and incredible print shows the badger in a priest’s robe, with its head resting on its paws looking with quiet detachment. Apparently while in the temple, it was in the habit of transforming itself into a priest. This print is an incredible illustration, considered by many to be the masterwork of the ghost series. Certainly one of Yoshitoshi’s best designs ever. If this great ghost print has always been a favorite of yours, this is a fantastic opportunity to collect a fine quality original.

13 1/8 x 8 7/8 + margins

With excellent color and detail. Minor spotting and soiling in subject. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.