Tsuchiya Koitsu - After moving to Tokyo at age fifteen, Koitsu studied for many years with the woodblock artist Kobayashi Kiyochika. Known for his beautiful landscape prints with a dramatic use of light and shade, Koitsu was one of the leaders of the shin-hanga or new print movement in 20th century Japan.

Sketches of Famous Places in Japan - In the early 1960s, the publisher Hamamatsu-Do (Doi) re-released a group of classic shin-hanga landscapes by Hasui and Koitsu under the series title "Sketches of Famous Places in Japan." Using the original blocks, Hamamatsu-Do (Doi) printed the designs, which were also distributed by the publisher Oedo Mokuhansha. The series was produced in a limited edition of 200 sets of 28 subjects, very finely printed and beautifully colored. A terrific opportunity to collect a lovely shin-hanga design.

Horiyuji Temple, Nara, 1938 - Peaceful view of the spire of Horyuji Temple on a rainy day, a large pine tree framing the scene on the right. Two women walk along the pathway towards the gate under colorful umbrellas, the red and white stripes of the kimono in the foreground adding a visual link to the red lines of the pagoda. A lovely atmospheric image.

Signed - Koitsu, with red artist's seal "shin" (true)
Publisher - Doi, later edition from original blocks

Artist - Tsuchiya Koitsu (1870 - 1949)

Image Size - 15 3/8" x 10" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.