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.

Since the Crescent Moon - Interesting scene of the great Japanese haiku poet, Matsuo Basho, speaking with two farmers during his time traveling. He leans over, resting on his walking stick, listening to the men with interest. The pair is celebrating the full moon festival, with sake and a bento box of food, and arrangement of autumn grasses and flowers in a bamboo vase on the table at left, edamame visible on the tray beside it. Basho had been looking forward to the full moon, waiting for it since the crescent moon, now able to share the experience with these humble country men in an unexpected and delightful meeting. A charming scene, detailed with delicate cloth embossing on Basho's white robe.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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

Condition - Nice color and printing quality. Backed with paper. A couple marks in the margin. Good overall, see photos.