Kasamatsu Shiro (Japanese, 1898-1991) "Misty Evening on the Shore of Shinobazu Pond, Tokyo" woodcut (oban), first published by Watanabe in 1932; possibly an original first edition, but not examined outside the frame. A charming woodcut entitled "Misty Evening at Shinobazu Pond" created by one of the most respected artists of the Shin Hanga Artists who studied with Kiyotaka at age 13. The title and date are written in the left margin. The round Watanable publisher's seal is in the lower left of the scene, and there is a red chop to the left of this publisher's seal. Kasamatsu presents a delicate spring gardenscape in soft shades of blue, craggy tree branches mark the picture plane on the left, and lanterns light the distant paths as a mother and child take a stroll in a misty evening. Size: 15" L x 10.25" W (38.1 cm x 26 cm) including margins with signature; 20" L x 15" W (50.8 cm x 38.1 cm) including frame
Shin-hanga was an early 20th century Japanese art movement during the Taisho and Showa periods - flourishing between 1915 and 1942 - that revived traditional ukiyo-e subject matter of the Edo and Meiji periods. However, Shin-hanga compositions depart from ukiyo-e traditions by embracing the inclusion of natural light, a soft color palette, three dimensionality of the figure, as well as a sense of depth rather than flatness.
Another "Shinobazu-Teich in Nara" woodblock is currently listed by Scriptum Fine Japanese Prints for $1600.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection
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#148762
Condition
This woodblock has not been examined outside the frame, but appears to be in good condition save slight waviness to the paper and some fading. The stamps and signatures are visible as shown in photos.