This is a woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892), considered to be the last great master of ukiyo-e but also one of the most innovative.
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
“Moon Above the Sea at Daimotsu Bay: Benkei” is part of the artist’s series “100 Aspects of the Moon,” created between 1885 and 1892. It’s dated 1886, and is about 14″ x 9″ (oban size).
The extraordinary and dramatic sweeping lines of the wave and the prow of the boat inspired this flaired version of our mortise and tenon Yoshida frame, which Trevor Davis made. The walnut frame with inlaid raised square plugs at the joints is finished with a black wash. A 1/8″ wide fillet painted pale blue is set in at the sight edge.
Ronin Gallery in New York, describes the reference and meaning of the print this way:
Set during the 12th-century Genpei War. When the hero Minamoto no Yoshitsune fled the wrath of his brother, Yoritomo, he and his followers were caught in a violent storm in the Straits of Shimonoseki. As the water threatened their ranks, Musashibo Benkei, a favorite hero of the Genpei Wars and devout follower of Yoshitsune, took to the front of the ship and saved them with his prayers. In this dynamic design, Yoshitoshi contrasts the fury of the storm with the serenity of Benkei. While the waves crest white and close in around the ship, Benkei appears calm and resolute, his stance strong beneath the ghostly shadows silhouetted in the moon above.
Go to the “Japanese Print Tradition” section of the Portfolio to find many more examples of how we frame Japanese prints. We’ll certainly be adding this one!
You’ll find an online catalogue raisonné of this Yoshitoshi’s work at Yoshitoshi.net.
—Tim Holton
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