100 Aspects of the Moon # 79 by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

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

Woodblock Prints Title: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon # 79 Dawn moon and tumbling snow (Seppu no gyogetsu)

1st Publication: November 1889

Size: Oban; 13-1/2" x 9-1/4" (34 x 23.5 cm)

Date of this edition: November 1889

Publisher: Akiyama Buemon.

Condition: Backed on an acid free album page, else very fine Excellent colors and impression, very good overall condition.

More about this print: In the final act from the Kabuki play Chushingura, “The Attack on Morono’s Mansion”, one snowy night the revengeful Ronin begin their attack. Kobayashi Heihachiro is sleeping at his home nearby. Disguising himself as a maid, he rushes in to defend his lord. In this scene Yoshitoshi focusses on Heihachiro, who is heavily outnumbered by four of the Ronin, among which the young Oishi Rikya (print #4). It is obvious, however, that they are not the hero's from this scene. Heihachiro fends off his attackers with great courage, but is eventually killed.

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.