Toshi Yoshida - Toshi Yoshida was the son of Hiroshi Yoshida, one of the most famous woodblock print artists of the 20th century. He followed the family tradition, and centuries old Japanese craft, of woodblock printmaking adopting and developing his signature style. His close relationship with his father was instrumental in the pursuit of his art. Together, father and son traveled Japan, and the globe, examining and sketching people and places around them.
Although Yoshida's prints span a wide range of subjects, he is most well known for his lovely portrayals of everyday life in
Ishiyama Temple, 1946 - Beautiful view inside Ishiyama Temple, with visitors walking among the tall wooden pillars. A large red paper lantern hangs in the center with smaller lanterns around it. Small senjafuda or thousand shrine tags are pasted high on the columns by worshippers visiting the temple, such as the pilgrim at lower left, who wears a white robe and a straw hat. The shadowy interior provides a wonderful contrast to the bright sunlit foliage beyond the entrance. A "Jikoku" seal in the upper left margin indicates that Toshi Yoshida carved the blocks for this print himself. A lovely lifetime edition, pencil signed in the bottom margin.
Signed - Toshi Yoshida in English in the margin and Japanese within the image (with chop)
Sealed - With "Jikoku" seal in upper left margin, indicating blocks were self-carved
Titled - Ishiyama Temple, 1946, English and Japanese
Image size - 14 5/8" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown
Condition - Excellent, no toning, tears, not mounted, full margins
