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.

Fumio Fujita - One of Japan's most well-known contemporary sosaku hanga artists, Fumio Fujita studied at the Musashino College of Fine Arts and began creating woodblock prints in 1963. His subjects are nature based, and he is best known for his many images of trees, especially birch trees - a signature Fujita image. He simplifies and reduces forms to their elements, bordering on abstract, with an emphasis on pattern and texture. Fujita’s prints are all pencil signed and numbered, limited editions. His works have been included in the prestigious Collage Women's Association of Japan (CWAJ) exhibitions several times. Fujita’s works are becoming increasing collectable, especially some of his earlier designs. His lovely prints would make a wonderful addition to any modern woodblock collection.

Tanaka Ryohei - Born in 1933, Tanaka Ryohei began studying etching with Professor Furuno Yoshio in 1963. His favorite subjects are the traditional Japanese houses and the rural fields around him, where man intersects with nature. His beautiful designs are drawn with delicate line work, producing rich gradations of tone and subtle textures. He often incorporates aquatint or mezzotint into his etchings to render exquisite detail. His works can be found in the collections of museums across the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Fogg Museum at Harvard University, and the Singapore National Museum. These quiet, contemplative, limited-edition designs are pencil signed and numbered, making them a wonderful choice for a collector of contemporary Japanese prints.

Numbered - 84/100

Artist - Tanaka Ryohei (born 1933)

Size - 9 1/2" x 21 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Tape remnants on reverse at top and bottom edges from previous mounting. Slight toning, a few creases, pencil notation at lower left. Please note, due to the size, this print may be shipped rolled. Please see photos for details.