Kitayama Moon

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

Kitayama Moon by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
Kitayama Moon

100 Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyakushi)
A Fuji Arts Special Offer Auction

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.

Kitayama Moon - Terrific depiction of Toyohara Sumiaki, a musician in the court of Emperor Go-Kashiwabara. Confronted by snarling wolves while walking over the moors of North Kyoto to admire the moon one night, he began to play his favorite melody on his wooden flute, believing it would be the last song he ever played. The ferocious animals paused, lying down to listen before retreating back into the woods, calmed by the beautiful music. Beautifully detailed with embossing around the edge of the full moon and burnishing on the black court cap. A captivating subject and a fantastic, masterwork Yoshitoshi design.

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 toning and soiling, a couple small stains. Light lines where backing papers meet. Please see photos for details.

Kitayama Moon by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Kitayama Moon by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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