Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Jade Rabbit, Sun Wukong"

The legend of Sun Wukong (Songoku in Japan) is immortalized in the Chinese classic "Journey to the West", which recounts the monk Xuanzang’s journey from China to India. Here, Sun Wukong is depicted with his magical staff, playing with the Jade Rabbit, who lives on the moon. While a rabbit appears in the original Chinese tale, the Jade Rabbit was a distinctly Japanese adaptation to the legend. This celebrated work is considered by many to be one of Yoshitoshi’s masterpieces from 100 Aspects of the Moon and is among the series’ most coveted designs.

Series: One-Hundred Aspects of the Moon
Date: 1889
Size: Oban
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Condition: Light soiling to sheet, otherwise excellent color and condition with large 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.