Moon Over the Pine Forest of Mio

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

Moon Over the Pine Forest of Mio  by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
Moon Over the Pine Forest of Mio

100 Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyakushi)

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.

Moon Over the Pine Forest of Mio - Classic, Yoshitoshi print depicting the warrior Takeda Shingen seated and looking ahead contemplatively. A border of yellow clouds separates the figure from a view across the water of the pine forest at Mio on the peninsula below, with Mt. Fuji rising majestically beyond. Takeda spent much of his life trying to win access to the sea for his landlocked province. The Mio pine forest and Mt. Fuji were considered the largest obstacles to his success. Here, he wears a battle helmet topped with a fierce horned demon and a flowing white wig, and a red robe with a subtle varnished pattern on his red robe. White clouds zigzag across the sky before a glowing yellow moon. A striking design, beautifully colored and detailed.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 8 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Nicely printed and clean with full margins. Backed with old album paper. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Moon Over the Pine Forest of Mio  by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Moon Over the Pine Forest of Mio  by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)