Woodcut
Japan, 1891
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) - master of the Japanese woodcuts
5 Woodcuts from the series Tsuki hyakushi ? ? ? (‘One hundred appearances of the Moon’ - 100 figures, faces, or aspects of the moon)
Included are the woodcuts with the titles ‘Ideshio no tsuki’ (1892), ‘Bon no tsuki’ (1887), ‘Nakamaro’ (1888), ‘Hitotsuya no tsuki’ (1885) and ‘Musashino no tsuki’ (1892)
Signature: Yoshitoshi
Seal: Yoshitoshi
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Cutter: Yamamoto
Format: Ôban
Dimensions: 37 x 25 cm
Age-related condition
Provenance: Private collection, Germany

The work entitled ‘Ideshio no tsuki’ (the moon at high tide) shows an old couple, Jo and Uba, and symbolize the long-lived souls of two ancient pines. The presentation is part of the No-drama ‘Takasago’, praising happiness and fulfillment of a long as well as faithful marriage. The work ‘Hitotsuya no tsuki’ (moon of the lonely house) shows the witch Hitotsuya, who is in search of blood from newborns, which ensures the survival of the daughter of her lord.



Tsuki hyakushi ? ? ? ‘One hundred ascpects of the Moon’

The one hundred views of the moon - one of the masterpieces of Yoshitoshi - were published from 1885 to 1892. Shown are in fine design and exciting composition themes of traditional Japanese and Chinese stories and legends. The artist draws attention to the figures thought the often simple held backgrounds. Yoshitoshi combines the Western influences of the realism with the perspective of Asian painting, with the focus on the calligraphic brushstroke. The figures are carefully illustrated and convey a sense of individuality, compassion and sensitivity.



Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi was a master of traditional Japanese woodcuts, especially of the ukiyo-es. His early works show extreme depictions of violence and death, probably a reflection of the general lawlessness and violence in the country at that time. Yoshitoshi's last years were his most productive, where the series ‘One Hundred Views of the Moon’ (1885-1892) and ‘New Forms of 36 Ghosts’ (1889-1892) as well as triptych of kabuki actors and scenes were created.



Condition: The woodcuts are in good condition with partly clearer signs of age and wear, such as glue and creases at the corners and in the edges. The dimensions are 37 x 25 cm.

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