Dying Shop

by Wada Sanzo (1883 - 1968)

Current Status

Dying Shop by Wada Sanzo (1883 - 1968)

Original Wada Sanzo (1883 - 1968) Japanese Woodblock Print
Dying Shop

Series; Japanese Vocations in Pictures, Series 3

Japanese Vocations in Pictures - Handsome design from a series that Tokyo artist Wada Sanzo created to show changing occupations during the rapid modernization of Japan in the mid-20th century. Wada created a total of three series on workers in Japan, illustrating both traditional and modern vocations. He began the series in 1938 to immediate success, with the first two series published by Nishinomiya Sho-In, but publication was halted in 1943 due to WWII. The third and final series was published in the 1950s by Kyoto Hanga-in under the title "Continuing Japanese Vocations in Pictures." Series 1 and 2 were limited editions of 300 prints each, while Series 3 was a limited edition of 200 prints each. These wonderful images of modern life are rendered in a very painterly style, with marvelous attention to lively details. They provide a terrific document of a changing era, recording many professions that were gradually disappearing alongside new jobs just being established.

This Presentation - Each of these first edition prints features a signature in ink within the image, and the original tissue paper overlay with the title and description in both English and Japanese. The overlay is attached along the reverse to the top edge, and folds over the front of the print. Each also has the edition number "152" stamped in ink in the left margin. It's rare to find prints with the tissue paper overlays still attached, making them a nice choice for a collector.

Artist - Wada Sanzo (1883 - 1968)

Image Size - 10 7/8" x 14 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Tissue paper overlay attached on reverse along top edge. Some prints have slight soiling or a couple creases at edges. Overlays have creasing, a few have tears. Please see photos for details. Generally in nice condition overall.

Dying Shop by Wada Sanzo (1883 - 1968)
Dying Shop by Wada Sanzo (1883 - 1968)

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