Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839–1892)

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who is considered one of the last great masters of the woodblock print tradition during the Meiji period. He was born in Edo (present-day Tokyo) and began his artistic training at a young age. Yoshitoshi initially studied under the ukiyo-e artist Utagawa KUNIYOSHI, who had a significant influence on his early style.

Yoshitoshi's works are known for their dramatic and often macabre themes. He was particularly skilled in depicting historical and supernatural subjects, including warriors, ghosts, monsters, and scenes from Japanese folklore. His prints often featured intense and dynamic compositions, with a strong emphasis on expressive figures and intricate details.

During the Meiji period, Japan underwent significant social, political, and cultural changes as it transitioned from a feudal society to a modern nation. Yoshitoshi's prints reflected this period of transition, addressing themes such as the decline of traditional values, the impact of Westernization, and the conflicts of the time.

One of Yoshitoshi's most famous series is "One Hundred Views of the Moon," which consists of 100 prints depicting various scenes related to the moon. This series showcases his technical mastery and imaginative storytelling abilities.