Egenolf Gallery Japanese Prints

Highlights from Yoshitoshi’s 100 Aspects of the Moon

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) was a creative genius who lived during a time of great societal transformation. He was a consummate draftsman as well as a master at distilling a complex narrative to a single, emotionally poignant image. “100 Aspects of the Moon” was a series published during the final years of Yoshitoshi’s life, when he was at the height of his creative powers. He selected stories that were well-known and gave them an introspective twist, as well as a sophisticated relationship to the ever-changing moon. Egenolf Gallery recently acquired a complete set of this series in exceptional condition–to feel the full intention of the artist one must refer to early impressions, as the mastery of the printers and carvers must match the subtlety of the emotions of the characters. The Moon Series is often regarded today as Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece, and yet the majority of the designs are surprisingly affordable.