71 Inoue Yasuji 1864 – 1889 Hotoke Gozen

from the series Kyōdō risshi no moto (“Instruction in the Fundamentals of Success”)
publisher: Matsuki Heikichi

From the series Kyōdō risshi no moto, this print depicts the figure Hotoke Gozen (“Lady Buddha”) with refined dignity and subtle realism.
Tankei Inoue, the only true disciple of Kobayashi Kiyochika, continued his master’s innovative approach influenced by French Impressionism, especially through the use of light, shadow, and atmosphere.

His work bridges the traditional aesthetics of ukiyo-e with the emerging modern imagery of Meiji-era urban life. Delicate color gradations and careful observation of light replace decorative patterning, giving the print a surprisingly modern sensibility for its time.