100 Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyakushi)
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 Miyaji Moon - Handsome depiction of Fujiwara no Moronaga, a politician in 12th century Japan. He made a habit of offending Taira no Kiyomori, the leader at the time, and often found himself exiled from Kyoto. In this fine print, Moronaga plays the biwa or Japanese lute in the wilderness of Mount Miyaji while in exile. At center right, a beauty passes by in the background, pausing to listen to the beautiful sound as the evening breeze flutters her kimono about her. A maple tree with colorful autumn foliage frames the full moon in the distance. Nicely composed.
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. A couple of small marks. Please see photos for details. Good overall.
