A Great Collection of Japan - Published by Kano Tanejiro of the respected publisher Bun'endo in Tokyo, Hiromitsu Nakazawa's "A Great Collection of Japan" (Nihon taikan), sometimes translated as "A Compendium of Japan," comprises 50 lovely images of Japan, mostly around Kyoto and Osaka. The genre of "sketch-tour books" became popular in Japan in the early 20th-century, and this is one of the finest examples. Nakazawa's designs reflect the modern sensibilities of the shin-hanga or new print movement that emerged in Japan in the early years of the 20th century. Printed in soft colors, these works have a lovely watercolor feel to them, an effect difficult to achieve in woodblock and reflecting the expert skills of the carver and printer, Okada Seijiro and Nishimura Kumakichi. These lyrical and atmospheric scenes are beautifully drawn with fine delicate line work and wonderful detail. This series is also incredibly rare as the blocks and any unsold prints were destroyed during the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. A terrific opportunity to acquire a rare, pre-Kanto Earthquake shin hanga print from this attractive series. See example of publisher's seal below (not included).

Artist - Hiromitsu Nakazawa (1874 - 1964)

Image Size - 6 3/4" x 9 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Some prints have a few spots. Please see photos for details.