100 Aspects of the Moon # 1 by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Taiso) (1839-1892)

Woodblock Prints Title: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon # 1 The Courtesan Takao

1st Publication: October 1885

Size: 13-1/2" x 9" + Margins as shown

Date of this edition: October 1885

Publisher: Akiyama Buemon

Condition: Backed on an acid free album page. Left margin trimmed, affecting the seals. Mild soiling. Excellent colors and impression, good overall condition

More about this print: Takao is the name used by several celebrated courtesans who lived in Edo in the 1600s and early 1700s. It is not known which Takao is depicted here, but Stevenson* suggests that it may be the 6th Takao, who was also known for her writing talents.

Early in the morning her lover has just left the pleasure quarters to return to the city. She hears the lonely call of the cuckoo at dawn, and composes the accompanying verse as she imagines her lover arriving at the boat landing in Komakata: "By now you must be near Komakata - a cuckoo calls."

Pictures: Pictures are taken outdoor, in the shade, to reflect true colors, without any enhancements of any kind. The last picture is taken indoor, with a light behind the print, to reveal the exact paper grain, holes if any, or other possible flaws.