Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "The Moon at Ogurusu in Yamashiro"

Defeated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the warlord Akechi Mitsuhide escapes but is later ambushed and killed by peasants near Ogusuru in Yamashiro province. While pleased that his enemy was killed, Hideyoshi captures and executes seven peasants as a warning to the peasants not to rebel. Here a peasant wields a bamboo spear and sees Mitsuhide approaching on moonlit evening. The contorted body of the peasant hiding in the bamboo grove captures the excitement and adrenaline of the peasant seeing Mitsuhide on his horse.

Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon
Date: 1886
Size: Oban
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Condition: Left margin trimmed, backed, otherwise excellent color and condition
Frame Shown: 16" x 24", Classic Wood, Walnut

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's (1839-1892) Tsuki hyakushi (One Hundred Aspects of the Moon) series of woodblock prints make up some of Yoshitoshi's most recognizable and popular designs today. A number of highly influential compositions make up this series, which illustrates Chinese and Japanese history, folklore, and literature with the moon as a unifying theme. Taken as a whole, Yoshitoshi's "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" is a masterpiece showcasing Yoshitoshi's tremendous talent as an artist and his deep sentimental connection to Japan's rich cultural history.