Akazome Emon Viewing the Moon

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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Akazome Emon Viewing the Moon  by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
Akazome Emon Viewing the Moon

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.

Akazome Emon Viewing the Moon - A wonderful 100 Moon print depicting Akazome Emon, a well-known noblewoman and poet of the Heian court. Despondent after a long, restless night awaiting her lover, she writes:

I wish I had gone to bed immediately but now the night has passed and I watch the moon descend

The poem implies that peace of mind has been denied her because she has been waiting for her lover to visit. She would have gone to sleep if she had known that he would not come, but instead she stayed up all night hoping. Classic Yoshitoshi illustration of an ancient story. Beautiful 100 Moon print with fine embossed detail in the white robe.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 12 3/4" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Loss at lower left, one hole, repaired. Staining and soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details.

Akazome Emon Viewing the Moon  by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Akazome Emon Viewing the Moon  by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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