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.

Received Back into Moon Palace - Wonderful illustration from the tale of the bamboo cutter, Taketori no Okino. In the forest one day, he came across a shining stalk of bamboo, and upon cutting it open, he found a tiny baby girl inside. He took her home, and he and his wife raised her, naming her Kaguya-hime. She grew into a lovely young woman with many suitors, but whenever she saw the full moon, she became sad. Kaguya-hime finally revealed that she was actually the daughter of Joga, Queen of the Moon, and that she had to return to her realm in the heavens. Here, attendants escort her back to the moon on a swirling cloud as the elderly man kneels below, pleading with her to stay. A lovely depiction of this classic tale.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

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