Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, "Takakura Moon"

Hasebe no Nobutsura was a retainer of Prince Mochihito who helped the prince escape Takakura mansion after his father's defeat at the hands of Taira no Kiyomori in the 12th century. Here Nobutsura watches from shore as Prince Mochihito escapes by boat under a full moon night.

Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon
Date: 1886
Size: Oban
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Condition: Mounting tape upper corner margin, backed; 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.