Yoshitoshi: The Moon’s Invention: Hôzô Temple (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title: The Moon’s Invention: Hôzô Temple
Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon (tsuki hyaku sugata)
Date: 1891/6

The Buddhist martial artist Kakuzenbô Hôin In’ei pauses in his sparring to look down at the reflection of the crescent moon forming a crosspiece to his padded fencing spear. He appears gentle, yet powerful and relaxed. Yoshitoshi is suggesting that In’ei’s innovation of a sickle-spear might have been inspired by a sickle-shaped moon. This is an unusually early impression, with strong woodgrain in the sky and water and the subtlety of the print effectively conveyed.

Condition: Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Narrow left margin and faint backing remnants, verso.
Dimensions: ôban vertical
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Literature: Stevens, John: “Yoshitoshi’s One Hundred Aspects of The Moon”, Hong Kong, 1988. #95.
Seal: Engraver:Yoshihisa
Signature: Yoshitoshi

SKU: YOT635