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.

Yoshitoshi Mori - Born in Tokyo in 1898, Yoshitoshi Mori was one of the best known artists of the sosaku hanga, or creative prints, movement in Japan. Originally a textile designer, Mori graduated from the Kawabata School of Fine Arts and studied stencil-dyeing of fabrics. It wasn't until 1954, after the age of 50, that he began making stencil prints on paper using a method called "kappazuri." He became a printmaker fulltime in 1962, and had numerous shows in both Japan and internationally. Mori's works can be seen on display in some of the finest museums in the world, including the Tokyo Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Signed - Yoshitoshi Mori, dated '62
Numbered - 169/500

Artist - Yoshitoshi Mori (1898 - 1992)

Image Size - 12" x 15 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight tape remnants on reverse at top and bottom center. Please see photos for details.