Mount Ji Ming Moon

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

Mount Ji Ming Moon by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
Mount Ji Ming Moon

100 Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyakushi)
A Fuji Arts special offer auction

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.

Mount Ji Ming Moon - Zi Fang was a hero of the Chinese wars that led to the establishment of the Han dynasty. According to legend, after many indecisive skirmishes with the enemy, one night Zi Fang climbed to a mountain overlooking the enemy camp. On his flute, he played melodies from the enemy's home province of Chu. He played so sweetly that the warriors were moved to tears. Tired of fighting, six thousand of the eight thousand troops gave up and left for home. Realizing the futility of continuing to fight, the enemy general surrendered his forces. Here, Zi Fang stands atop a rocky peak, his white robes billowing in the wind as he plays, a full yellow moon glowing high above. His robes feature a delicate embossed pattern of clouds and dragons, a detail seen only in early printings. A terrific, bold design.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Otherwise good.

Mount Ji Ming Moon by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Mount Ji Ming Moon by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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