Left to right: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi Dawn moon and tumbling snow – Kobayashi Heihachirō and Moon of pure snow at Asano river – Chikako, the filial daughter from One hundred aspects of the moon 1885-92. Photo: AGNSW.

SYDNEY.- Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s One hundred aspects of the moon (1885-92) is the final masterpiece produced by one of the last great masters of ukiyo-e printmaking. Acquired by the Art Gallery of New South Wales in 2012 through the Yasuko Myer Bequest Fund, this is the first time that One hundred aspects of the moon is being exhibited in its entirety in Australia. 

One hundred aspects of the moon comprises 100 intricately detailed woodblock prints that Yoshitoshi created between 1885 and 1892. Each print is a moment in time and poetically draws from stories relating to the moon in Japanese and Chinese history, famous legends, literature and theatre, as well as folklore. The characters of these stories are diverse, from stoic warriors and samurai to everyday townspeople, courtesans and mythical characters, many expressing a reverence to the moon. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Dawn moon and tumbling snow – Kobayashi Heihachirō, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 1889. Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Natalie Seiz, Art Gallery of NSW assistant curator of Asian art said the staging of the complete One hundred aspects of the moon is a rare opportunity to view this extraordinary series by one of the masters of the ukiyo-e genre. 

“Yoshitoshi was one of the most admired artists of his time and this exhibition celebrates the impressive technical skill and imaginative designs that have secured his place in art history and as one of the originators of manga and anime,” Seiz said.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Moon of pure snow at Asano river – Chikako, the filial daughter from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 1885-92. Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW

Staged in the upper Asian Gallery, One hundred aspects of the moon encompasses the entire exhibition space. Half the works are displayed on freestanding easels as an evocation of the lunar cycle, allowing visitors to experience the magnitude of the entire print series in one place. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Portrait of Yoshitoshi by his student Kanaki Toshikage, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Jun 1892, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

In September Seiz will present a lecture on One hundred aspects of the moon and the Gallery will host a variety of ukiyo-e inspired talks and events as well artmaking workshops for families. From kitsuke (the art of kimono wearing) to irezumi (traditional Japanese tattooing) the program will consider the history and ongoing impact of ukiyo-e printmaking. 

The Japan Foundation in association with the Art Gallery of NSW will present a program of talks based on Yoshitoshi’s One hundred aspects of the moon and the exhibition Perseverance: Japanese tattoo tradition in a modern world on display at the Japan Foundation Gallery from 28 September to 12 November 2016. The talks in this series look at the life and work of Yoshitoshi and explore the dynamic relationship between ukiyo-e prints and Japanese tattoos, from centuries past until today.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Full moon on the tatami mats shadows of the pine branches - Kikaku, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Oct 1885, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Rising moon over Mount Nanping - Cao Cao, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Oct 1885, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Moonlight patrol - Saitō Toshimitsu, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Dec 1885, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Mountain moon after rain - Tokimune, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 10 Dec 1885, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Cooling off at Shijō, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Dec 1885, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Moon above the sea at Daimotsu Bay, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Jan 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), The cry of the fox, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Jan 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), I listen to the sound of the cloth being pounded/ as the moon shines serenely/ and believe that there is someone else/ who has not yet gone to sleep - Tsunenobu, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Jan 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Mount Yoshino midnight-moon - Iga no Tsubone, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Jan 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Suzaku Gate moon - Hakuga Sammi, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 01 Feb 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), The moon of Ogurusu in Yamashiro, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 01 Feb 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Itsukushima moon - a Muro courtesan, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Feb 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Faith in the third-day moon - Yukimori, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Feb 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Gravemarker moon, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Mar 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Cassia-tree moon - Wu Gang, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Mar 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), The moon of Yamaki mansion - Kagekado, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Mar 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Chikubushima moon - Tsunemasa, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Mar 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), The moon through a crumbling window, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 01 Jun 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Mount Ji Ming moon - Zi Fang, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 05 Jun 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Kitayama moon - Toyohara Sumiaki, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 05 Jun 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Mount Otowa moon - Bright God Tamura, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Jun 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), A glimpse of the moon - Kaoyo, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 06 Sep 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), How hopeless it is/ it would be better for me to sink beneath the waves/ perhaps then I could see my man from Moon Capital - Ariko, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 06 Sep 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Inamura Promontory moon at daybreak, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Sep 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), On the coast at Kiyomi even the sky bars the way/ The moon is blocked by the Miho pine groves, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 1886, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Moon of the enemy's lair - Little Prince Usu, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 1886?, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Hazy-night moon - Kumasaka, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 06 Jan 1887, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Shizu Peak moon - Hideyoshi, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 25 Oct 1888, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), In the midst of glimmering whiteness/ among the night's moon-shadows/ I part the snow and pluck plum blossoms - Kintō, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Jan 1887, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Like reflections in the rice-paddies/ the faces of streetwalkers in the darkness/ are exposed by the autumn moonlight - Hitotose, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 23 jun 1887, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), The moon and the helm of a boat - Taira no Kiyotsune, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 23 jun 1887, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Lady Gosechi, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 23 jun 1887, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Mount Tobisu dawn moon - Toda Hanbei Shigeyuki, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 23 jun 1887, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Sumiyoshi full moon - Lord Teika, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 23 jun 1887, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), The night is full and a hundred flowers are fragrant in the western palace/ she orders the screen to be rolled up, regretting the passing of spring/ with the ‘yunhe’ across her lap she gazes at the moon/ the colours of the trees are hazy in the indistinct moonlight – Wang Changling, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 23 jun 1887, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Reading by the moon - Zi Luo, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 19 Mar 1888, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Usually I dislike a cloudy sky/ tonight I realise that a cloudy sky/ makes me appreciate the light of the moon - Gen'i, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 23 jun 1887, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), In the moonlight under the trees a beautiful woman comes, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 19 Mar 1888, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Does the cuckoo also/ announce its name from above the clouds?/ Yorimasa extemporises:/ I only bent my bow/ and the arrow shot itself, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 19 Mar 1888, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Gojō Bridge moon, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 13 Apr 1888, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Moon of enlightenment, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 19 Mar 1888, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), As I look into the vast expanse/ can this be the same moon/ that I saw rise in Kasuga behind Mount Mikasa?, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 20 May 1888, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Katada Bay moon - Saitō Kuranosuke, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 01 Jun 1888, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Jade Rabbit - Sun Wukong, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon,01 Nov 1889, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Jōganden moon - Minamoto no Tsunemoto, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Dec 1888, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Mount Ashigara moon - Yoshimitsu, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 10 Oct 1889, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Moon of the Southern Sea, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 1888, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Seson temple moon - Captain Yoshitaka, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 1888, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Ishiyama moon, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 10 Oct 1889, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), The bottom of the bucket/ which Lady Chiyo filled has fallen out/ the moon has no home in the water, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 10 Oct 1889, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Mount Miyaji moon - Moronaga, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Nov 1889, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Did I ever imagine that/ as the clouds of the high autumn sky cleared/ I would view the moon through a bamboo lattice window - Hidetsugu, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 10 Dec 1889, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Shinobugaoka moon - Gyokuensai, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 1889, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Lunacy - unrolling letters, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 1889, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Moon of the filial son - Ono no Takamura, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 1889, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Frost fills the camp and the autumn air is still/ lines of returning geese cross the moon of the third hour - Kenshin, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 20 Mar 1890, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), As I am about to enter the ranks of those who disobey/ ever more brightly shines/ the moon of the summer night - Akashi Gidayū, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 18 Apr 1890, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Moon of the Lonely House, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Aug 1890, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), How noisy, the sound of insects calling in the meadow/ as for me, I make no sound but think of love, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Oct 1890, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Moon of Kintoki's mountain, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Oct 1890, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Hōrin temple moon - Yokobue, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 20 Dec 1890, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Kazan temple moon, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 20 Dec 1890, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Musashi Plain moon, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 02 Jan 1891, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Monkey-music moon, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 15 Jan 1891, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), The moon's invention - Hōzō temple, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Jun 1891, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), A Buddhist monk receives cassia seeds on a moonlit night, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Jun 1891, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW. 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), The moon and the abandoned old woman, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Dec 1891, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), The moon's four strings - Semimaru, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, Aug 1891, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839 - 1892), Saga Moor moon, from the series One hundred aspects of the moon, 1891, Art Gallery of new South Wales, Yasuko Myer bequest Fund 2012. Photo: AGNSW.