Tokuriki Tomikichiro - Born in Kyoto, Tokuriki Tomikichiro spent his entire career in the city. After initially studying Nihonga or Japanese style painting, Tokuriki switched to woodblock prints in 1924. Although best known for his shin-hanga landscape prints, Tokuriki's real passion was sosaku hanga or creative prints. He enthusiastically promoted sosaku hanga, and set up his own publishing company called Matsuku after WWII to produce his designs as well as those of other artists. He taught block carving and wrote extensively on the subject of woodblock prints, while also exhibiting internationally. His modern sosaku hanga prints are expressive with bold line work and shapes, while his traditional shin-hanga views more closely resemble ink and wash paintings. Tokuriki successfully bridged these two major twentieth-century styles, and was highly influential in the development of younger artists.

Comments - This print comes from a group of designs depicting masks worn for the bugaku dance. Bugaku is a traditional dance form where performers wear detailed Buddhists costumes, usually including masks, accompanied by court music.

Signed - T. Tokuriki in pencil at bottom edge

Artist - Tokuriki (1902 - 1999)

Image Size - Sheet size 16" x 12"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. A few creases. Please see photos for details.