Fine 1950’s printing from the respected Tokyo publisher Oedo Mokuhansha - Our beautiful Kisokaido prints were produced by the well known Tokyo publisher Oedo Mokuhansha amidst a resurgence of interest in ukiyo-e in the early 1950's. Like many of these traditional businesses, the woodblock print craft was passed down through generations, and the Oedo Mokuhansha company was formed by decedents of an Edo era publisher.

The publishing information in the margins of the prints indicates;

Inspector: Muneshige Narasaki (charged with strict quality control)
Carver: Osamu Hotta
Printer: Ryuji Onodera

These three individuals were the first group to hold those positions at Oedo Mokuhansha after the war and the combination of the three indicates a printing date of early 1950’s. These are nice early prints of the highest quality standards and an excellent choice if you are looking for fine old Hiroshige woodblock reprints.

Woodblock reprints - In the 20th century, artists and publishers collaborated to recreate famous woodblock prints for interested Japanese collectors and Westerners looking for rare designs. New blocks were made, and the prints were painstakingly printed by artisan printers in the same method as the 19th century originals - one block for each color. Woodblock reprints were an opportunity to collect and enjoy a famous design at a small fraction of the price of an original. They still are today.

Artist - Eisen (1790 - 1848)

Image Size - 8 1/2" x 13 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. In excellent condition overall.