Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–92) is celebrated as the last great master of traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking. He is known for highly imaginative, often flamboyant and even disturbing depictions of historical events, warriors, beautiful women and the supernatural. Active in the transitional period between the end of the Edo and the first few decades of the Meiji era, Yoshitoshi sought to preserve and promote traditional Japanese arts and values under threat from newly imported Western trends.

Besides introducing new themes and techniques to the stagnant art of ukiyo-e (‘pictures of the floating world’), Yoshitoshi was also a fervent supporter and devoted student of the nō theatre. His most famous print series One hundred aspects of the moon features no less than 13 scenes inspired by nō and kyōgen plays. Yoshitoshi’s fascination for this time-honoured performing art form was passed on to his adopted son, Kōgyo, who became Japan’s most prolific nō painter.

View One hundred aspects of the moon in the Gallery’s collection

Questions and activities

• Create a series of works based on a motif such as the moon. Start with sketching and writing down a list of ideas and approaches. How would you make each artwork unique and also seem part of the series?

• Create your own two-colour print in class based on an historical event. How does your work compare to Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s series?

• Research the technique of woodblock printing. Collect examples and find out about its importance in Japanese art. To further your understanding, watch the clip below which shows master printer Keizaburo Matsuzaki demonstrating the technique.