Moon of the Southern Sea

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.

Moon of the Southern Sea - Lovely depiction of the Bodhisattva Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. This scene reflects Kannon's Buddhist origins in India as Avalokitesvara. One of Avalokitesvara's dwelling places on earth was a rocky promontory called Potalaka off the south coast of India known as the Southern Sea. She sits calmly on a rocky outcropping as waves crash violently about her, her hands clasped over one knee. A golden yellow halo surrounds her head, while black clouds drift across the face of the moon above. Beautifully detailed with an intricately embossed pattern on her white robe. A handsome design.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 8 5/8" + margins as shown

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