A Glimpse of the Moon

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

A Glimpse of the Moon by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
A Glimpse of the Moon

100 Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyakushi)
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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.

A Glimpse of the Moon - Intriguing Yoshitoshi portrait of Lady Kaoyo, the wife of En'ya Takasada, an official in the shogun's court. She was renowned for her beauty, and another courtier, Lord Moronao, decided he wanted to see for himself if the rumors of her loveliness were true. Here, Lady Kaoyo steps out onto a porch after her bath, unselfconsciously wrapping her robe about her, with long wet hair falling over her back to the floor. Moronao can be seen pushing aside the foliage beyond the garden fence, furtively peering at her, his face partially hidden behind his fan. The branches of a maple tree frame a view of the crescent moon overhead. A charming design with embossing in the attendant's white kimono collar, and a delicate pattern in Lady Kaoyo's robe.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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

Condition - Nice color and printing quality. Nice large margins, as shown. Backed with paper from previous folio inclusion. Slight soiling. Good overall, see photos.

A Glimpse of the Moon by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
A Glimpse of the Moon by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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