Yoshitoshi 芳年: Moon Above the Sea at Daimotsu Bay: Benkei (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) 芳年
Title: Moon Above the Sea at Daimotsu Bay: Benkei
Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyaku sugata)
Date: 1886

The warrior-hero Benkei is seen fearlessly calming the storm aroused by the vengeful spirits of the vanquished Taira clan, whose monstrous shapes can be discerned in the clouds above. As he had some training as a Buddhist priest, he holds up his string of prayer beads and recites sutras for spiritual strength against the anger of the Taira ghosts. The surging wave seems to reach for the boat, the waters an inky black. The crest of the wave is shown in silhouette against the full, yellow moon. Although Benkei’s stature is small when compared with the waves, we can feel his fearless strength and the power that he holds. Considered one of the top designs in the series.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Unbacked and untrimmed.
Dimensions: ôban vertical (36.5 x 24.7 cm)
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Literature: Stevens, John: “Yoshitoshi’s One Hundred Aspects of The Moon”, Hong Kong, 1988. #12
Seal: Taiso
Signature: Yoshitoshi

SKU: YOCS065