Yes, yes. I know the Ninjas are in need of attention, dear readers — all good things to those who wait! 
Lately I’ve been absorbed in reading a translation of Lady Murasaki’s The Tale of Genji. Researching various intricacies of the text lead me to a lovely series of prints called One Hundred Aspects of the Moon (1885-1892) by the Japanese artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi.
The print above illustrates the Ghost of Yugao [one of Genji's conquests on a 'dark and stormy night' in the early chapters of the novel]. Yugao means ‘moonflower’ in Japanese.
A complete listing of the One Hundred Aspects of the Moon can be found here. From the site:
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) is a pupil of Kuniyoshi’s. The first designs of his popular Tsuki hyakushi (A Hundred Views of the Moon) are published in 1885. The subjects are taken from Indian and Chinese legends, famous musicians and poets, and heroes of classic novels and plays.
As if in a dream, the Black Ninja approached his long awaited foe.
The moment swelled. The Black Ninja’s thoughts narrowed to a single pinpoint of exquisite readiness…
“Oh hey! I didn’t know you lived around here” said the Green Ninja. “Did you get anything good for Christmas?”
The Black Ninja nearly blinked.
“Such wanton commercialism! How I love to hate it!” the Black Ninja thought festively.
Why isn’t there velcro on pocket change? That’d be handy.
There’s probably more change in the couch though, thought the Green Ninja.
All this skulking in shadow.
No wonder parts of me grow pale, the Black Ninja realized with unwarranted surprise.
