A full-color appreciation of this much-loved and canonical ukiyo-e series
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-92) was the last great woodblock print master of the ukiyo-e tradition. With his distinctive dramatic line and use of gorgeous colors, Yoshitoshi was soon recognized by his contemporaries as the most outstanding woodblock artist of his time. One Hundred Aspects of the Moon is regarded as his greatest achievement. The series brings to life the history and mythology of ancient Japan. In all 100 prints, the moon figures prominently, either clearly visible in the design itself, or else referred to in the beautiful poem in the text cartouche.
The subjects of the prints range from historical figures such as the novelist and court lady Murasaki and samurai warlords such as Takeda Shingen to mythological creatures and scenes related to the Japanese theater forms kabuki, noh and kyogen.