Moon of the Moor" Yoshitoshi Woodblock Print 100 Moo (07/07/2008)...

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Moon of the Moor" Yoshitoshi Woodblock Print 100 Moons

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Moon of the Moor" Yoshitoshi Woodblock Print 100 Moons

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Sold Date: 07/07/2008
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

Yoshitoshi was probably the best artist of Ukiyo-e in Japan during the Meiji period as Japan encountered the Western World, and his renditions are more energetic andrealistic than traditional prints from earlier eras, reflecting those changing times.

This print, "Moon of the Moor," ( harano no tsuki ) is from Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's "100 Aspects of the Moon" series, published between 1885 and 1892. Inspired by Japanese history, culture and legend, the 100 Moons series is considered to have been Yoshitoshi's greatest artistic achievement. This print portrays the famous musician Fujiwara no Yasumasa as he narrowly misses being murdered, when his would-be attacker becomes enchanted by the sound of his flute.

Yasumasa was not only a famous musician, but an accomplished warrior and member of the Heian court, and became a colleague of the new warlord when the Heian administration fell. Yasumasa had a brother, Kidomaru, who became an outlaw rather than submit to the new leadership. Late one evening, Yasumasa played to himself as he walked home over the moors, and didn't see Kidomaru sneaking up behind him. Kidomaru was intent on taking the traveller's robes, but couldn't follow through after he'd heard the music. He followed Yasumasa home, and only then that Yasumasa noticed him. Yasumasa gave his brother a robe, and told him, "Next time, ask." This story was made into a Kabuki dance and often performed, in fact, at one time a float depicting this scene was featured in a parade, and Yoshitoshi himself rode on the float.

The print depicts the moment when Yasumasa is tramping homewards, absorbed in his tune - Yoshitoshi captures the jaunty hat, the rhythmic movement of his hips and shoulders as the crouching Kidomaru slips up behind, preparing to strike...

This image gives a sense of the moment of peril, with the happy floutist swinging along merrily as his unseen adversary overtake him, crouching, sword drawn. Note the usual fine attention to detail, the distinctive patterns of the garments, the fine engraving of hair and whiskers, and the woodgrain lending an airy texture to the night sky.

This print bears the artist's signature and seal and engraver's name, and dates from May, 1888. Size is Oban, borders partly trimmed as shown, excellent impression in excellent condition; gauffrage is crisp. The colors are well preserved, with only a little bit of yellowing, The white area in the title square is embossed with a deep geometric pattern.

Although trimmed of its margins at top, bottom and right, it retains the left margin with original notations, censors seals, etc.
Print is unbacked with virtually no perceptible wear or soiling, no pin holes that I can see, and the back of the print is clean, no glue, tape, etc.
No rips, tears, folds or creases, except for one small chip missing just to the right of the title block. Look at the scans to see what's t and feel free to ask me for details if you have any concerns.

Note: The last image is a much larger version of the first image, and is probably not dial-up friendly.

THE FINE PRINT:
Please be aware that I am a private seller, not an art dealer of any kind, and although I try to be knowledgeable about these prints and describe them as accurately and completely as possible, I am not an expert and make no guarantees as to details and particulars. I obtained these prints from a Japanese lady who moved to this country as a WWII war bride and who once ran a business selling authentic Japanese art. I acquried part of her inventory when she retired and am selling some of the prints.
As far as I can determine from reference materials and comparison with documented originals these are original prints and not a reproduction of any kind, although I make no warranties as such.
So, if you have any questions, ask before you bid and I will be happy to answer them, but bids are considered legally binding offers to purchase.

I will answer questions or requests for additional pictures, etc., but will not respond to side offers. If yo...