100 Aspects of the Moon # 40 by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

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

Woodblock Prints Title: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon # 40 The Moon of the Milky Way (Ginga no tsuki)

1st Publication: September 1886

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

Date of this edition: September 1886

Publisher: Akiyama Buemon

Condition: Some soiling on the left side of the print, Backed on an acid free album page, else very fine. Excellent colors and impression, good overall condition.

More about this print: According to Chinese legend, the constellations known in the West as Aguila and Lyra represent the lovers Niu Lang (Cowherd) and Zhi Nu (Weaving Girl). They were separated by the Emperor of Heaven and placed at different ends of the Milky Way. They are only allowed to meet on the seventh evening of the seventh month of each year. A celebrating of the lovers’ meeting is the subject of the yearly Tanabata Festival.

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.