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.

The Moon of Yamaki Mansion - Wonderful Yoshitoshi image illustrating the story of Kato Kagekado, a retainer of the Minamoto Clan leader Yoritomo. Yoritomo sent troops to kill his rival, Taira no Kanetaka, and destroy the Yamaki mansion. Here, Kagekado sees Kanetaka's shadow through the sliding door and tricks him by putting his helmet on the end of his spear. Kanetaka swung at the helmet, leaving himself exposed and Kagekado killed him with his spear. A beautiful print, with burnishing in the black lacquer architectural elements and the black court cap, and embossing in the headband and white stripes of the pants.

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. Very slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. Slight thinning along left and right edges, repaired. Slight rubbing. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.