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.

The Cry of the Fox - Foxes were magical creatures in ancient Japan. They weren't evil, but were fond of practical jokes and it was best not to cross them. This print illustrates a tale where an old priest is transformed into a fox. Here the fox is appearing, still in the priest's robes. Yoshitoshi's design is wonderful. Every element has a symbolic meaning such as the seed-heads on the grasses drawn to look like "foxfires." Foxfires are flames that hang in the air around foxes and other supernatural beings. This Yoshitoshi image is an incredible work of art and a woodblock masterpiece. This print features subtle gradation of color and soft natural tones. This wonderful print is a great choice for a collector looking for an excellent printing of Yoshitoshi's "Cry of the Fox." A rare opportunity - bid now!

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details. Excellent overall.