Yoshitoshi 芳年: Faith in the third-day moon--Yukimori (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 芳年 (1839-1892)
Title: Faith in the third-day moon--Yukimori
Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon 月百姿
Date: 1886

Yukimori was a 16th century general who fought his entire and brief adult life against impossible odds. He was said to be enormously strong and to have a strong belief in the good luck symbol of the third-day moon (mikazuki), the emblem of which he wears on his helmet. His weapon also has a sickle-like crosspiece, which echoes the crescent moon of his helmet. He is fearsome, focused and grounded and needs no surrounding elements to help define him. In this early impression we can appreciate the virtuosity of the plain woodgrain background and the way the figure is given dimensionality by the subtle shading surrounding him. The black  plates of armor have been given the lacquer-imitating printing effect, and shine against the light. Note the strong woodgrain in the grey of this exceptional impression. 

Condition: Excellent impression and color. Exceptionally early impression.
Dimensions: ôban (35.6 x 23.9 cm)
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Literature: Stevenson #23. Portland Art Museum, British Museum
Seal: Taiso
Signature: Yoshitoshi

SKU: YOT829