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.

Shinobugaoka Moon - Handsome scene of the young samurai Gyokuensai standing beneath a blossoming cherry tree at Shinobugaoka in Edo, which is now Ueno Park. He looks up as if startled, his head drawn back and his sleeve raised before his face as delicate petals shower down through the evening sky, a crescent moon glowing high above. He wears a black kimono with a beautiful burnished pattern, and holds a large woven hat at his side. A woman's kimono is hung from a cord stretched between the trees to provide privacy for picnicking and blossom viewing. The robe features an intricate tie-dyed pattern bordered with flowing water, birds, and fishing nets hung up to dry. The edge of a lacquer picnic box can be seen at lower left as the robe flutters in the wind. A fascinating and mysterious subject, beautifully detailed, with fine bokashi shading.

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. A few small marks. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.