A woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi titled 'The Fever', depicting a scene of illness and spiritual intervention, rendered in the ukiyo-e style with fine lines and muted tones.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) was a prominent Japanese printmaker of the late Edo and early Meiji periods. He is widely recognised as one of the last great masters of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings. Yoshitoshi's work is known for its dramatic and often unsettling imagery, reflecting the social and political upheavals of his time. He produced a vast body of work, including historical scenes, portraits, and depictions of ghosts and supernatural beings. 'The Fever' presents a scene of illness and spiritual intervention. The composition is divided into three panels, a common format for ukiyo-e prints. In the centre panel, a figure lies prostrate, seemingly overcome by illness. Surrounding this central figure are various figures, some appearing as demons or deities, suggesting a struggle between earthly suffering and supernatural forces. The figures are rendered with fine lines and careful attention to detail, typical of Yoshitoshi's style. The use of colour is restrained, with muted tones creating a sombre atmosphere. The print offers a glimpse into the beliefs and anxieties of 19th-century Japan, where illness was often attributed to spiritual causes.