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 Otowa Moon - Interesting portrait of the warrior Sakanoe no Tamuramaro, who died in 811 after a glorious career on the battlefield. He was honored as the Shinto god Tamura Myojin, or "Bright God Tamura," associated with Kiyomizu Temple on Mount Otowa. Illustrating a scene from a Noh play entitled "Tamura," this design shows the ghost of young Tamura sweeping the grounds of the temple as cherry blossom petals flutter down through the sky before him. Great ghost image from the 100 Moon series, beautifully printed with fine embossed detail in the figure's white robe and the white cartouche.

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. Slight soiling. Small hole in upper margin, repaired. Please see photos for details. Good overall.