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.

Moon of the Lonely House - A stunning design from a story that haunted Yoshitoshi throughout his lifetime. An old lady of high rank served a lord who had a strange disease. The only cure was the blood of children born in a certain month. She roamed the countryside for her master finding and killing children to fulfill his need. Here, the old woman peers around the corner of the room of her next victim. She is ugly and haggard, and intent on her prey. The moon lights the dark sky over her head- an altogether eerie composition. An amazing design from this story and a Yoshitoshi masterpiece.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 8 5/8" x 12 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with old paper. A few small wormholes in top left margin, repaired. Faint toning at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.