Shotei - Born in Tokyo, Takahashi Shotei studied drawing and designed book and magazine illustrations early in his career. His big break came when he was hired in 1907 by Watanabe Publishing to create woodblock print designs as part of the "shin-hanga" or new prints movement. As the first artist to work for Watanabe, he designed hundreds of prints for him, more than any other shin-hanga artist. Specializing in landscapes, he designed works in a variety of styles, but is most recognized for his beautiful twilight or nighttime scenes and atmospheric weather conditions such as rain and snow. His lovely prints have a wonderful graphic appeal and make beautiful framed displays, and are a great area of collecting for the shin-hanga enthusiast.

Comments - Handsome shin hanga design of a man walking beneath a tall torii gate in a driving rain, wearing a woven hat and carrying a walking stick. A woman heads towards him from the slope below, her umbrella partially closed around her head. Gusts of wind and rain slant across the scene against a gray sky. A wonderful, atmospheric scene and a rare pre-Kanto Earthquake design by Shotei, signed "Kakei." Stamped "No. 691" on reverse.

Artist - Shotei (1871 - 1945)

Image Size - 14 5/8" x 6 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Faint toning, a few small paper remnants near edges. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.