Kitayama Moon

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

Kitayama Moon by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
Kitayama 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.

Kitayama Moon - A fantastic Yoshitoshi design and a series masterwork, this incredible image depicting Toyohara Sumiaki, a musician in the court of Emperor Go-Kashiwabara. He is walking alone over the moors of North Kyoto and is approached by snarling wolves. Cornered, he begins to play a beautiful melody on his wooden flute, causing the wolves to hesitate and then to recede into the woods, pacified by the magic of the song. A wonderful Yoshitoshi design and captivating woodblock print. Originals of this beautiful image are highly sought after in the collecting world. Our print with excellent original color, no fading, fine detail and in very good condition. A great choice for the discerning collector. If you've always wanted to own one of the 100 Moon masterworks, bid now.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail. A few light spots. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Kitayama Moon by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Kitayama Moon by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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