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Yoshitoshi - Moon of the Red Cliffs

Yoshitoshi - Moon of the Red Cliffs

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)

Date: 1890
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
Genre: Ukiyo-e
Medium: Woodblock Print. Ōban (37 × 25 cm)

"Moon of the Red Cliffs" depicts the poet-general Su Shi (Su Dongpo) of the Song dynasty (1037–1101) seated in a boat drifting along the Yangtze River, reflecting on the transience of life beneath the full autumn moon. The moon can be seen over the famous Red Cliffs, site of a great third-century naval battle immortalized in Chinese literature and song.

One Hundred Aspects of the Moon is Yoshitoshi’s final major series and is widely regarded as the culmination of his career. Issued in installments between 1885 and 1892, each design incorporates the moon as a unifying visual and thematic element - sometimes dominant and luminous, at other times partially obscured or subtly integrated into the composition. In this respect, the series invites comparison to Katsushika Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, where a single motif anchors diverse narrative and atmospheric settings.

The subjects range across Japanese and Chinese history, literature, and legend, including warriors, court ladies, poets, monks, ghosts, and supernatural beings. Rather than presenting straightforward illustration, Yoshitoshi interprets these episodes through psychologically charged moments - often quiet, introspective scenes heightened by moonlight. The series reflects both a reverence for classical themes and a distinctly late-Meiji sensibility, combining refined draftsmanship, subtle color harmonies, and a heightened interest in emotional expression.

Condition: Print color saturation and overall condition is good. Margins as shown. Four pinholes. Backed. Embossing.

$500.00 USD
$500.00 USD
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Who Was Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892) was one of the most influential figures of late ukiyo-e and is widely regarded as the last great master of the tradition. Born in Edo to a prosperous merchant family, he showed artistic talent at an early age and became a student of Utagawa Kuniyoshi at just eleven years old. Under Kuniyoshi’s guidance, Yoshitoshi absorbed both classical woodblock techniques and Western approaches to shading, realism, and perspective, which helped shape the distinctive, dramatic style that defined his career.

Yoshitoshi first gained attention for powerful warrior prints and intense historical scenes, but he became especially known for his graphic muzan-e (“cruel pictures”) depicting violence, murder, and warfare. These works reflected both the turbulent social climate of the late Edo and early Meiji periods and his own personal struggles with mental health and financial hardship. His figures were more naturalistic and psychologically expressive than those of many contemporaries, combining traditional ukiyo-e design with a heightened sense of realism and emotion.

Later in life, Yoshitoshi turned increasingly toward poetic, imaginative, and elegant subjects. Masterpieces such as One Hundred Aspects of the Moon, Thirty-two Aspects of Women’s Customs and Manners, A Collection of Desires, and New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts reveal a quieter lyricism and technical refinement that contrast with his earlier brutality. Through these diverse bodies of work, Yoshitoshi preserved and revitalized ukiyo-e at a time when the medium was in decline, securing his legacy as its final great innovator.

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Yoshitoshi Videos

  • Yoshitoshi's Women - Woodblock Prints

    Among the many woodblock print masters who depicted women in their work, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi stands out. Learn about his most celebrated series.

    View on YouTube 

  • Fujiwara no Yasumasa

    Explore Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s legendary 1882 triptych Fujiwara no Yasumasa Plays the Flute by Moonlight. Learn the history behind the print.

    View on YouTube 

  • Unboxing Yoshitoshi woodblock prints

    Join me as we unbox 4 Yoshitoshi prints that we won at auction, for the first time. We'll examine the prints and discuss the stories and history behind them.

    View on YouTube 

Collector Reviews

  • It's a great looking piece which I am very happy and excited to add to my small collection! I really appreciate it.

    I enjoy your YouTube videos and I look forward to picking up more prints from you in the future.

    Rick

  • Dear Mr. Richard, opening the package and seeing the incredible bright colours and ornamental abundance of Yoshitoshi's diptych, it was just as printed today! It will be a pleasure to get more of your fine selected prints.

    L. F.

  • Josh and I just opened the package and want to thank you for this amazing Hiroshige print. The condition is better than we expected. Lovely to look at, will bring the family great joy. Happy New Year and thank you again.

    J.
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Guaranteed Authentic

All our original woodblock prints are guaranteed authentic as described and shown. Unlike some print resellers, we don't make any Photoshop enhancements or add filters to our print images. Please check the print images front and back carefully before purchase, if you'd like additional pictures feel free to contact us. If, after purchase, you're not satisfied for any reason, return your print for a full refund within 30 days.