Cooling Off at Shijo

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

Cooling Off at Shijo by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
Cooling Off at Shijo

100 Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyakushi)

One Hundred Aspects of the Moon - Considered his masterwork, Yoshitoshi's series One Hundred Aspects of the Moon features one hundred oban size woodblocks, published between 1885 and 1892. These quiet and reflective prints, beautifully composed and drawn, feature subjects from traditional Japanese and Chinese history and legend, rendered with great sensitivity and emotion. The moon appears in all but a few prints, providing a unifying motif for the series.

Yoshitoshi's innovative designs for the Moon series are often elegantly spare, with simple backgrounds that focus attention on the human figure. He combines the western influences of realism and perspective with qualities from traditional Japanese and Chinese painting, such as the emphasis on calligraphic brushstroke. The figures are carefully drawn with beautiful linework, conveying a real sense of individual character, gesture, and emotion. Special printing techniques such as embossing and burnishing add a sumptuous touch where appropriate, but simple subjects are conveyed in a likewise manner, no less carefully observed.

Prints from the series were released singly or in groups every few months, with the final image completed shortly before Yoshitoshi's death. The series proved tremendously popular, with patrons lining up to purchase the new releases as soon as they became available. Today, One Hundred Aspects of the Moon remains Yoshitoshi's most well-known work, characterized by his artistry, compassion, and sensitivity in portraying the human experience.

Cooling Off at Shijo - A young waitress sits at the end of a bridge and cools her feet in the Kamo river. Kyoto is known for extreme heat and humidity in the summer and it was fashionable to sit and cool down in the riverbed area. A lovely print with very nice colors: the moon glows over the warm blues of the sky and water. The young woman's under-robe reveals a bright red color, a nice contrast to the blues. A very nice subject with fine detail.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 8 7/8" x 13" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Some light ink offsetting near bottom edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Cooling Off at Shijo by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Cooling Off at Shijo by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Auction Rules and guidelines

This Auction Falls Under Our Standard Auction Rules and Guidelines

If you are a new bidder, please read the Rules and Guidelines page before bidding.