Yoshitoshi 芳年: Moon of the Southern Sea 南海月

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 芳年 (1839-1892)

Title: Moon of the Southern Sea 南海月

Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon 月百姿  (tsuki hyaku sugata)
Date: 1888

The Bodhisattva Kannon, Goddess of Mercy, is seated on a rocky promontory, looking at the sea with the intention to free all beings from the turbulent ocean of samsara. Here she is surrounded by a literal turbulent ocean, which must refer to the metaphorical samsaric sea. Kannon is considered a manifestation of Avolokiteshvara, Buddha of Compassion. She sits in a posture of contemplation, her large yellow halo echoing the round yellow moon: the edges of the halo overlap areas of the cartouche in a convention-bending manner that feels very modern. The Southern Sea of the title refers to a rocky island off of India called Potalaka, which served as one of Avalokiteshvara’s dwelling-places on earth. Kannon is often shown in artworks sitting on a rocky promontory that represents this island, and holding a vase of healing water and a willow branch with which to sprinkle this water on those in need. Here we see the vase situated behind her, complete with tall willow branch. This wonderful work gives the feeling of maintaining inner peace and compassion, even when surrounded by outer turbulence.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. 
Dimensions: ôban vertical (35.5 x 23.8 cm)
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Literature: Stevens, John: “Yoshitoshi’s One Hundred Aspects of The Moon”, (1988), number 68. See British Museum, Library of Congress, Portland Art Museum.

Seal: Taiso; Engraver: Enkatsu   Signature: Yoshitoshi

SKU: YOT918