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.

Tokushi Katsuhira - Born in Akita, highly regarded sosaku hanga artist Tokushi Katsuhira was completely self-taught. From a family of farmers and papermakers, Katsuhira carved dolls, but had never even seen another artist at work until he took a short woodcarving class in 1928. He began exhibiting his sosaku hanga prints in 1928 with Nihon Sosaku-Hanga Kyokai. His subjects primarily deal with life and customs in Akita, including festivals and the seasonal activities of rural life. His prints have a charming simplicity and directness, and he was known for the quality of his carving.

Comments - This subject was an insert in the November 1936 issue of Ukiyo-e Kai magazine.

Artist - Tokushi Katsuhira (1904 - 1971)

Image Size - 6 1/2" x 4 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning. Please see photos for details. Good overall.