Moon and Smoke by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Additional Pictures: Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)

Woodblock Print Title: Moon and Smoke

1st Publication: 1886

Size: Oban; 9 1/2" x 14" (24.2 x 35.5 cm)

Date of this edition: 1886

Publisher: Akiyama Buemon

Condition: Thin edo era backing, minor thins in the margins, imperceptible fading.

More about this print: A fireman stands on a building holding the standard for the second district of Edo. He wears a sashiko, a padded coat soaked with water to protect him against the flames. In the lower right is another matoi (standard bearer) from a rival brigade. In 19th century Japan, crowded towns full of houses constructed of wood and paper were extremely vulnerable to fire. The fire-fighting troops were considered exciting and colorful characters, and enjoyed enormous prestige amongst the general population.

Pictures: Pictures are taken outdoor, in the shade, to reflect true colors, without any enhancements of any kind. The last picture is taken indoor, with a light behind the print, to reveal the exact paper grain, holes if any, or other possible flaws.