Mount Ji Ming moon
A hand-painted replica of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece Mount Ji Ming moon, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892) was a renowned Japanese ukiyo-e artist, celebrated for his innovative and dramatic woodblock prints during the late Edo and early Meiji periods. One of his notable works is "Mount Ji Ming Moon" (also referred to as "Jimei Mountain Moon"), which is part of his acclaimed series "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" (Tsuki hyakushi). This series, created between 1885 and 1892, is considered one of Yoshitoshi's masterpieces and represents the culmination of his artistic career.
"Mount Ji Ming Moon" is inspired by Chinese historical and literary themes, which were a common source of inspiration for Yoshitoshi. The print depicts a scene from the Chinese historical novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" (Sanguo Yanyi), a classic work of Chinese literature. The image portrays the famous general Zhang Fei (known as Chohi in Japanese) standing guard on Mount Ji Ming (Jimei Shan in Chinese). Zhang Fei is shown holding a spear, his imposing figure illuminated by the moonlight, symbolizing his vigilance and strength. The composition captures the dramatic tension of the moment, with the moonlight enhancing the atmosphere of solitude and determination.
Yoshitoshi's "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" series reflects his deep interest in history, folklore, and literature, blending Japanese and Chinese cultural elements. Each print in the series features a connection to the moon, either as a central visual element or as a symbolic reference. The series demonstrates Yoshitoshi's mastery of the woodblock printing technique, his innovative use of color and composition, and his ability to convey emotion and narrative through visual art.
"Mount Ji Ming Moon" exemplifies Yoshitoshi's ability to merge traditional ukiyo-e techniques with a modern sensibility, appealing to both contemporary audiences of his time and modern viewers. The print is notable for its intricate details, dynamic composition, and the evocative use of light and shadow, which highlight Yoshitoshi's skill as a storyteller through imagery.
Today, "Mount Ji Ming Moon" and other works from the "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" series are highly regarded as significant contributions to the ukiyo-e tradition. They are preserved in museum collections and continue to be studied and admired for their artistic and cultural value.
