100 Aspects of the Moon # 46 by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

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

Woodblock Print Title: Bon Festival Moon (Bon no tsuki)

1st Publication: February 1887

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

Date of this edition: February 1887

Publisher: Akiyama Buemon

Condition: Remnants from prior mounting (Tape) around the print, else very fine.

More about this print: Villagers dance in the moonlight during the annual Bon festival, when the spirits of the departed ancestors are supposed to return to earth to be fed and entertained. It is a happy festival, that is held every year during the full moon of July, and a typical dance consists of groups of people that move in circles on incidental music.

The image reminds us somewhat of the dancers that Henri Matisse painted two decades later, and Stevenson* also points at the almost impressionistic effect of the Shoji style used by Yoshitoshi in this design.

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.