Moon and Smoke

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

Moon and Smoke by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
Moon and Smoke

100 Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyakushi)
Opening at only $89!

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 line work, 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 and Smoke - A fantastic series masterwork, a stunning design depicting a fireman in the foreground. He stands facing the roaring flames, proudly holding a matoi, or standard, above the flames to identify the location of his brigade. In 19th century Japan, crowded towns full of houses constructed of wood and paper were extremely vulnerable to fire. The fire fighting troops who fought these common blazes were considered exciting and colorful character and reached heroic status among the townspeople. This wonderful design is an incredible Yoshitoshi print. Collecting an original of this fantastic Yoshitoshi design is a very rare opportunity. If you've always wanted to own one of the 100 Moon masterworks, bid now.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 8 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Slight separation at ends of horizontal centerfold, small loss and thinning at edge, repaired. Slight soiling, small spot, faint creases at left corners. Margins trimmed from folio inclusion as shown. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Moon and Smoke by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Moon and Smoke by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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