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.

Comments - Richly detailed sosaku hanga print of a crane set against a dark green background with subdued allover black marks. The use of layers of subtle color and texture, and the negative white of the paper creates a strong contrast, producing a striking effect. With red "Kaoru" artist's seal in lower right corner of subject and black round "Kawano" seal on reverse at lower right corner. A handsome modern design that would make a great framed presentation.

Artist - Ide Gakusui (1899 - 1982)

Image Size - 14 7/8" x 9 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Light toning and spotting, a few creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.