Sosaku Hanga - The sosaku hanga or creative print movement in Japan began in the early part of the twentieth century. Unlike the traditional collaborative woodblock printing process utilizing a separate artist, carver, and printer along with a publisher, the sosaku hanga movement emphasized artist involvement in designing, carving, and printing the blocks himself, as the sole creator of his work. The movement gained popularity following World War II, earning international acclaim and expanding subject matter to include abstraction. Today most contemporary Japanese print artists design, carve, and print their woodblocks themselves, continuing the vibrant creative tradition established with ukiyo-e. Sosaku hanga prints encompass a wide range of subjects and expressive artistic styles, and are a great choice for a collector interested in modern and contemporary prints.

Motosugu Sugiyama - Born in 1925, Motosugu Sugiyama enjoyed a successful business career in Tokyo before becoming interested in woodblock printing at the age of 50 in 1975. He studied with noted contemporary printmaker Funasaka Yoshisuke, and after his retirement in 1995, devoted himself fulltime to his artistic pursuits. His beautiful sosaku hanga images capture the vibrance of modern city life, embracing the Tokyo skyline. Rarely seen on the market, his signed, limited edition prints are a great choice for a collector interested in contemporary Japanese prints, many in a large format great for display.

Signed - M. Sugiyama in pencil in bottom margin, dated 1985
Numbered - 19/50

Artist - Motosugu Sugiyama (born 1925)

Image Size - 15" x 21" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight curling and creasing at edges, light vertical creases throughout image. Please note, due to the size, this print may be shipped rolled. Please see photos for details.