Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Cassia-Tree Moon, Wu Gang"

According to Chinese legend, eight giant cassia trees grow on the moon, their seeds said to grant immortality and invisibility. Yoshitoshi depicts the Taoist adept Wu Gang, condemned to endlessly cut down the ever-regrowing trees after using his powers for evil. Rather than depict his suffering, Wu Gang is shown gazing in wonder at the moon while standing upon a bed of clouds. The negative space surrounding Wu Gang is blind printed with a pattern for additional depth. 

Series: One-Hundred Aspects of the Moon
Date: 1886
Size: Oban
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Condition: Light soiling to sheet on bottom, otherwise excellent color and condition with full margins, unbacked
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" x 1/2", Modern Metal, Walnut

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) was a master painter and woodblock print artist whose works have made an indelible mark on Japanese art and design to this day. His most famous series, "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon," comprise some of Yoshitoshi's best known designs.