Yoshitoshi 芳年: Moon of the Filial Son–Ono no Takamura (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 芳年 (1839-1892)
Title: Moon of the Filial Son–Ono no Takamura 孝子乃月 小野篁
Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon: Tsuki hyakushi 月百姿
Date: 1889

As Ono no Takamura ties a bundle of brushwood, he looks up towards his home in the distance, sensing that his parents are in need of him. Although Takamura was known to be respectful of his parents, for this design Yoshitoshi apparently selected the iconography of the Chinese story of Ceng Shen, the 6th c. disciple of Confucious, who is credited with compiling the list of the Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety. Ceng Shen was so connected to the needs of his mother that he sensed her urgent need for him, even when he was out gathering brushwood, as seen here. There is a blindprinted pattern on the white of Takamura’s garment. The moon is beautifully rendered with a misty halo, and the diagonal space that indicates mist in the center of composition gives this work a peaceful feeling.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Unbacked.
Dimensions: ôban (35.6 x 24 cm)
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Seal: Taiso
Signature: Yoshitoshi with his seal

SKU: YOT781