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.

Summer Night Moon - Poignant image of General Akashi Gidayu preparing to commit ritual suicide. In the face of defeat, suicide was considered an honorable option for samurai. After he was defeated in a major battle, General Akashi was ordered not to kill himself by his commander, but he disobeyed. He looks down at the death poem he has just written, a dirk in his hand. A tiger on the screen at upper left suggests his strength and fierceness as a warrior. Nicely detailed with burnishing on the black lacquer elements in the room. Akashi's poem reads:

As I am about to enter the ranks of those who disobey;
ever more brightly shines the moon of the summer night.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. A few small holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, few small spots. Please see photos for details.