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.

Masao Ido - Born in 1945, Masao Ido lived and worked in Kyoto. He studied with Koho and Otsubo Shigechika. He achieved an international reputation as one of Japan's leading contemporary artists, and his works are included in the collections of the Tokyo National Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He was also a recognized teacher, having taught other contemporary masters such as Seiji Sano.

Known for his serene landscape prints of traditional Japanese subjects, Ido found his inspiration in Kyoto and the surrounding countryside. His tranquil images of private gardens, quiet streets, temple gates, and hillside views reflect his interest in nature and the changing seasons. A simplicity of form and a masterful layering of subtle color to achieve a sense of depth and richness distinguish his prints.

Ido's handsome woodblocks are a nice choice for collectors in the contemporary Japanese print market. His death in May of 2016 created a surge of interest in his works among collectors.

Signed - Masao Ido in pencil in bottom margin, dated '75, titled in Japanese
Numbered - 53/100

Artist - Masao Ido (1945 - 2016)

Image Size - 10 1/8" x 15" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Light toning, a few creases at edges, a few small spots. Please see photos for details.