Riverboat Captain, 1939

by Wada Sanzo (1883 - 1967)

Current Status

Riverboat Captain, 1939 by Wada Sanzo (1883 - 1967)

Original Wada Sanzo (1883 - 1967) Japanese Woodblock Print
Riverboat Captain, 1939

Series; Japanese Vocations in Pictures, Series 1

Japanese Vocations in Pictures - Handsome design from a series that Tokyo artist Wada Sanzo created to show changing occupations during the rapid modernization of Japan in the mid-20th century. Wada created a total of three series on workers in Japan, illustrating both traditional and modern vocations. He began the series in 1938 to immediate success, with the first two series published by Nishinomiya Sho-In, but publication was halted in 1943 due to WWII. The third and final series was published in the 1950s by Kyoto Hanga-in under the title "Continuing Japanese Vocations in Pictures." Series 1 and 2 were limited editions of 300 prints each, while Series 3 was a limited edition of 200 prints each. These wonderful, first edition images of modern life are rendered in a very painterly style, with marvelous attention to lively details. They provide a terrific document of a changing era, recording many professions that were gradually disappearing alongside new jobs just being established.

Artist - Wada Sanzo (1883 - 1967)

Image Size - 10 3/4" x 14 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Paper remnants or slight thinning on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. Faint toning, a few creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Riverboat Captain, 1939 by Wada Sanzo (1883 - 1967)
Riverboat Captain, 1939 by Wada Sanzo (1883 - 1967)

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