100 Aspects of the Moon # 30 by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

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

Woodblock Prints Title: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon # 30 The moon through a crumbling window (Haso no tsuki)

1st Publication: June 1886

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

Date of this edition: June 1886

Publisher: Akiyama Buemon

Condition: Little remnants from prior mounting, very mild soiling, else very fine. Excellent colors, impression, and overall condition.

More about this print: Bodhidharma (Daruma in japanese), the founder of Zen Buddhism, was the son of an Indian king. He meditated for nine years before he became enlightened. The years gone by are represented by the crumbling, vine-clad walls.

The moon shining trough the cave window is an allusion to enlightenment. Daruma is said to have lost the use of his legs after spending nine years in his cave, and is nowadays best known in Japan as a limbless, usually red-suited, self-righting doll. Daruma dolls are a symbol of optimism, good fortune and strong determination.

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.