Moon and Smoke - Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年 (1839-1892) - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892) – Moon and Smoke (煙中の月) – From the series One Hundred Aspects of the Moon (月百姿) – 1886
Description
Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年)
Title: Moon and Smoke (Enchū no tsuki - 煙中の月)
Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon (Tsuki hyakushi - 月百姿)
Date: Meiji 19 (1886)
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon (Kokkeidō)
Carver: Yamamoto (Yamamoto Shinrei / Enkō)
Format: Ōban tate-e (approx. 35.5 x 24 cm)
Description:
An iconic masterpiece from Yoshitoshi’s acclaimed late series, One Hundred Aspects of the Moon. The print depicts an Edo-period firefighter (hikeshi) standing atop a roof holding a matoi (fire brigade standard), surrounded by billowing clouds of dark smoke with the moon obscured above. The striking composition features rich textile patterns, woodgrain embossing (mokume-zuri), and delicate spattering techniques (fukobashi) to render the sparks and ash. Signed Yoshitoshi with seal Taiso.
Condition Report
* Overall State: Good condition.
* Impression: Excellent. Sharp lines and fine details, including distinct woodgrain patterns (mokume-zuri) visible in the background clouds/smoke.
* Color: Strong, vibrant original pigments; blue, red, and grey tones remain vivid.
* Margins/Size: Trimmed close to or at the outer frame line on top, right, and bottom. Left margin is present and contains publisher and date text.
* Defects / Wear & Restoration:
* Left margin strip shows evidence of repair/reinforcement along the outer border.
* Discoloration and slight fading/bleeding in the red publisher/date text in the left margin.
* Moderate age-related toning/browning across the paper.
* Minor foxing/spotting visible in the lighter upper and right background areas.
* Slight handling wear and soft creasing along the edges.