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.

Masahiro Shimizu - Born in Tokyo, Shimizu Masahiro was a founding member of the "Shin Hanga Shudan" (New Print Group) in 1932, a group spearheaded by Ono Tadashige that promoted the proletarian art movement, aiming to produce prints for everyone. In 1937, the group changed its name to "Zokei Hanga Kyokai" (Plastic Prints Cooperative Society), with a focus on artistic prints rather than proletarian art. Masahiro Shimizu is known for his scenes of Shita machi in Tokyo and views of the Sumida River. His works are rarely seen on the market outside Japan.

Artist - Masahiro Shimizu (1914 - 2011)

Image Size - Sheet size 25 1/4" x 18 1/4"

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Wrinkling and rippling throughout, a few small spots. Cuts in bottom margin and lower right corner used to align blocks. Please note, due to the size, this print will be shipped rolled. Please see photos for details.