£120
Yoshitoshi Tsukioka, Samurai, Tiger, 100 Aspects of the Moon, Meiji PeriodGeneral Akashi Gidayu from the series One Hundred Aspects of the Moon. Original Japanese Woodblock Print.
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Date: 1890
Dimensions: 23.7 x 35.3 cm
After losing a battle to the army heading towards the capital to take vengeance on Akechi Mitsuhide (the man who killed his own master, Oda Nobunaga), out of shame, the general Askashi Gidayu disobeys Mitsuhide and commits seppuku. Gidayu sits in deep through, his eyes directed at his zeppitsu, 'final brushstrokes', or yuigon, a statement that one leave behind. He has already composed his final poem and prepares himself for his end. Although this is a quiet and subtle piece, the scene is infused with energy. From the brushstrokes used to paint the fur of the tiger on the screen to Gidayu's intense reflection. The composition is accented with many palpable qualities. Like a number of Yoshitoshi's works in this series, the moon does nor appear in this print. Instead, it arises in Gidayu's poem as a symbol for eternity; although he may be departing from this world, he leaves behind a light as bright as that of an evening moon.
Trimmed. Faint stain on top of print.
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