Antique Yoshitoshi Original Woodblock Print, Hasō No Tsuki Daruma Meditation, 19th Century Japanese Ukiyo-E, Framed

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This antique original hand-colored woodblock print, titled "The Moon Through a Crumbling Window" (Hasō no tsuki), is a celebrated work … Read more This antique original hand-colored woodblock print, titled "The Moon Through a Crumbling Window" (Hasō no tsuki), is a celebrated work by the esteemed Japanese ukiyo-e artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892). Part of his renowned series "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" (Tsuki Hyakushi), created between 1885 and 1892, the print is considered a masterpiece of late 19th-century Japanese art.

The composition depicts Bodhidharma (Daruma in Japan), the Indian prince and founder of Zen Buddhism in China, shown in deep meditation within the ruins of a crumbling stone structure. According to legend, Daruma meditated facing a wall for nine years, during which the walls themselves seemed to dissolve as he attained higher states of enlightenment. Yoshitoshi incorporates the moon—a recurring motif throughout the series—visible through the fractured wall, a powerful symbol of spiritual awakening. Characteristic of Yoshitoshi’s work, the print demonstrates masterful detail, expressive emotion, and innovative printing techniques.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi is widely regarded as the last great master of the ukiyo-e tradition. His "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" series was both a commercial and critical triumph, eagerly collected in its time and revered by scholars and collectors today.
This example is beautifully presented behind protective glass in a custom natural-toned wood frame with professional matting. A typewritten sheet with additional historical context is attached to the back, enhancing its provenance and display value. See less