Scenes of Last Tokyo - In 1945, Fugaku Shuppansha published a portfolio of 15 prints by nine different artists illustrating scenes of Tokyo. It is believed that the phrase "Last Tokyo" in the title was a typographical error that should have read "Lost Tokyo." Published a few months after Japan's surrender, many of the subjects depicted suffered damage or destruction during WWII. The images recall these important places that had so much history and meaning for Japan. The artists were all members of the Japanese Print Association working in the sosaku hanga or creative prints movement. This great series includes early designs by artists such as Junichiro Sekino and Kiyoshi Saito, who would go on to gain prominence in the sosaku hanga tradition. Rarely seen in the market, these prints are a great choice for a collector interested in modern Japanese woodblocks.

Factories in Honjo, 1945 - Intriguing industrial scene of factories in Honjo, with smoke drifting from the smoke stacks as worker make their way along a road past the buildings. Maekawa Senpan took part in the first Sosaku Hanga Kyokai exhibit in 1919, and became a noted member of the sosaku hanga movement. A great choice for a modern collector, also in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Artist - Maekawa Senpan (1888 - 1960)

Image Size - 7" x 9 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight thinning on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. Light spotting, a couple small indented marks. Please see photos for details. Good overall.