Original Yoshitoshi Woodblock Print Samurai 100 Views of the Moon "Dawn Moon & Tumbling Snow"

This is an original Yoshitoshi woodblock print from 1886.

It is from the series "100 Views of the Moon" titled Dawn Moon and Tumbling Snow c. 1886 by the great Japanese artist Yoshitoshi Tsukioka (1839 to 1892). It shows the great samurai Kobayashi Heihachirou fending off a group of Ronin. Published by Akiyama Buemon. In the last photo the embossed pattern of the original can be seen clearly. 

9 1/8" x 14 1/4"

Yoshitoshi Tsukioka (1839–1892) was a prominent Japanese woodblock print artist from the ukiyo-e genre. Born in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), he began his artistic training at a young age and later became a student of ukiyo-e master Kuniyoshi Utagawa. Yoshitoshi is renowned for his versatility, contributing to various genres, including historical scenes, landscapes, kabuki actors, and supernatural themes.

His early career featured traditional ukiyo-e prints, but he gained widespread recognition for his dynamic and often intense depictions of historical and mythical subjects. One of his most notable series is "One Hundred Views of the Moon" (1885–1892), showcasing Yoshitoshi's masterful use of color and intricate details.

Yoshitoshi's life was marked by personal struggles, including mental health issues and financial difficulties, but his impact on ukiyo-e art is enduring. His legacy lies in his innovative approach to the traditional woodblock print, pushing the boundaries of the medium and contributing significantly to the evolution of Japanese printmaking. His work influenced subsequent generations of artists and contributed significantly to the evolution of the ukiyo-e tradition.