1886 Yoshitoshi Woodblock Cassia-Tree Moon, Wu Gang One Hundred Aspects of the Moon Antique Meiji Print

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A superb original woodblock print from Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's masterwork series One Hundred Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyakushi, 月百姿) - … Read more A superb original woodblock print from Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's masterwork series One Hundred Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyakushi, 月百姿) - the series collectors call the last great achievement of the ukiyo-e tradition. The subject is Wu Gang (呉剛), the figure of Chinese legend condemned to cut the self-healing cassia tree on the moon: Yoshitoshi shows him resting beneath the moonlit branches, a quiet, meditative composition dated to Meiji 19 (1886), the final, most refined period of the artist's career.

Sheet size approximately 35.3 x 23.8 cm (13.9 x 9.4 in), backed on paper by a previous owner. As with most antique prints, honest age is present: soiling, creases, small tears and slight trimming, all reflected in the photographs. The impression retains the subtle color harmonies and soft moonlit palette for which this series is famous.

Details
Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyakushi)
Subject: Wu Gang, the cassia-tree moon (Tsuki no katsura)
Date: Meiji 19 (1886)
Medium: Original Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e)
Format: Oban single sheet
Sheet size: approx. 35.3 x 23.8 cm
Origin: Japan
Condition: Used. Backed on paper; soiling, creases, small tears, slight trimming. See less