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.

Gen'i in Thought - Interesting depiction of the priest Gen'i sitting on a verandah, composing a verse as he contemplates the moon. The high priest was an influential person in the politically tumultuous 16th century Japan. Both politically astute and spiritually connected, Yoshitoshi depicts Gen'i during a quiet moment of thought. The moon is tucked behind the bamboo blinds at upper left, while the blue of the sky creates a soft tone over the print. Nicely detailed with burnishing on the black oil lamp stand, the edge of the verandah railing, and the small black lacquer writing table at left. Includes embossing on the white under robe. The verse in the white cartouche at upper right reads:

Usually I dislike a cloudy sky
Tonight I realize that a cloudy sky
Makes me appreciate the light of the moon.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Light stain in right margin. Please see photos for details. Good overall.