100 Aspects of the Moon # 86 by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

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

Woodblock Prints Title: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon # 86 Rendezvous by moonlight

1st Publication: October 1890

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

Date of this edition: October 1890

Publisher: Akiyama Buemon.

Condition: Backed on an acid free album page, left margin partially trimmed, affeccting the seals, else very fine. Excellent colors and impression, very good overall condition.

More about this print: The courtier Taira no Tadanori (1144-1184) is the brother of Taira no Kyomori, who started the feud with the Minamoto. Tadanori died in the fight over Ichinotani castle, shortly before the Taira family was definitively destroyed in the sea battle of Dannoura (1185).

Here he stands one moonlit night near his mistress’s chambers, supposedly signaling his presence with audible clicks of his fan, while waiting for her to get rid of a female visitor. They are reminded of a poem by Horikawa no Yorimune: "How clamorous are the voices of insects in the fields - despite my passion, I long for you in silence."

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.