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.

Mt. Yoshino Midnight Moon - The winged ghost is that of Sasaki no Kiyotaka who was forced to commit suicide after ill conceived advise forcing the clan into war. Here, the ghost is confronted by the wife of a warrior who committed suicide after the ill-fated battle. The depiction of the ghost is great in tones of gray with blue lips (also the lip color on a cadaver). The moon is in eclipse adding to the eerie feeling of the scene.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 8 3/4" x 13" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent color and detail, old horizontal centerfold from folio storage. Backed with thin paper also from folio storage. Slightly soiled in upper right cartouche mainly, not serious, see photos.