Yoshitoshi "Hozoin" from 100 aspects of the moon

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This is an authentic antique Japaese woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

This is from the well renowned series by the above mentioned artist "100 aspects of the moon"

The work title for this piece is The moon’s invention (Tsuki no hatumei - Hozoin)

After mastering the art of spear fighting, the monk In’ei (1521-1607) invented a new spear with a crescent-shaped cross-blade and founded the Hozoin School, named after his residence at Kofuku Temple in Nara. In this print, Yoshitoshi is suggesting how In’ei, gazing at the reflection of the moon in the water, might have been inspired to create the new spear.



This work is published by Akiyama in 1891



Our specialist who has inspected this print has said:

This piece is in very good condition, the colours still keeps its vibrance and overall the print has been preserved well. The embossed pattern in the cartouche is clear and there is no real damage to the print other than some browned fibers at the bottom section of the print. The margins have not been trimmed and the left hand margin indicate the date/publishing information. The paper quality/thickness and other evidence indicate that this piece is from an early edition.

Note:

There were later editions that were printed shortly after the artist passed away, these were printed with the whole series in one album. Obviously these lacked the supervision of Yoshitoshi, who demanded a very high level of print quality from the print houses.

The item for sale here will be sold mounted in acid-free ivory coloured mount paper.