100 Aspects of the Moon # 25 by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

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

Woodblock Prints Title: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon # 25 Gravemarker moon (Sotoba no tsuki)

1st Publication: March 1886

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

Date of this edition: March 1886

Publisher: Akiyama Buemon

Condition: Backed on an acid free album page, small stain in the lower margin, right margin trimmed, else very fine. Excellent colors and impression, Very good overall condition.

More about this print: Ono no Komachi, a famous beauty and poetess of the 9th century, is seated on a fallen stupa (a gravemarker dedicated to Buddha). This may be the scene from the Noh play Sotoba Komachi (Stupa Komachi) in which two priests ask themselves: "Is this Komachi that once was a bright flower - Komachi the beautiful, whose dark brows linked like young moons - Her face white-farded ever - Whose many, many damask robes filled cedar-scented halls?"

Komachi is depicted looking at the moon, and wearing a damask robe that heavily contrasts with her battered straw hat.

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.