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.

Since the Crescent Moon - A print of the great Japanese haiku poet, Matsuo Basho, speaking with two farmers during his time traveling. The poet is remembered for exploring the meaning and beauty of a mundane and inexplicable world. Here Yoshitoshi has depicted him speaking with two farmers whose difficult life is implied by the bony and bluish-colored jaw. Yoshitoshi's illustration is beautiful: fine soft colors shade the print while the composition of the men creates a contemplative scene.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 8 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with paper. Margins trimmed to image as shown. Light toning, a few spots, curling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.