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 at High Tide - Handsome scene from the legend of the Takasago Pine, a popular Noh play about a happily married elderly couple who are actually the spirits of two pine trees, one at Takasago and one at Sumiyoshi. Symbolic of long life and a happy union, the couple stands on the shore beneath a pine tree, raking and sweeping up pine needles. Stooped with age, Jo, the man, cranes his neck to look up at the evening sky, shielding his eyes with his hand. His wife Uba stands patiently at his side, her long white hair tied back with a narrow blue sash. White-capped waves roll onto the shore beyond. A charming depiction of this classic tale, beautifully detailed with embossing on Jo's white pants and soft shading on the water and sky.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (active circa 1840 - 1880)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Thinning at corner, repaired. A few creases, rubbing, staining. Please see photos for details.