Yoshitoshi 芳年: Shizu Peak Moon: Hideyoshi 志津ヶ嶽月 (SOLD)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
Title: Shizu Peak Moon: Hideyoshi 志津ヶ嶽月
Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon月百姿 (Tsuki hyaku sugata)
Date: 1888

Toyotomi Hideyoshi leans back to blow his conch trumpet to signal his men to attack  Shizugatake fortress. At left a huge yellow moon rises above a mountain and is reflected in a peaceful lake. The quiet of the moment belies the impending violence of the result of this simple gesture, where Hideyoshi’s posture is almost relaxed and there are no troops accompanying him in the picture. The conch shell is beautifully rendered, and the three-quarter view of Hideyoshi’s face is a testament to Yoshitoshi’s skill as a draftsman. All of the black areas feature the lacquer-imitating technique that makes them appear shiny against the light and there is blindprinting (gauffrage) in Hideyoshi’s hilt and in the white of the title cartouche.  Hideyoshi is credited with unifying Japan after decades of civil war. A beautiful, early impression. Hideyoshi’s famous helmet breaks through the border of the design, larger than life. This is an exceptionally early impression in perfect color.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Unbacked.
Dimensions: ôban vertical (35.5 x 24 cm)
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Literature: Stevens, John: “Yoshitoshi’s One Hundred Aspects of The Moon”, Hong Kong, 1988. #66. See Portland Art Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Library of Congress, British Museum collections.
Seal: Taiso
Signature: Yoshitoshi

SKU: YOT892