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.

Fuji Arts Contemporary Exhibition Part II - Over the summer we enjoyed exploring and selling from a recently acquired collection of contemporary prints purchased in Japan. This month we’re excited to post the second part of this collection as a follow up exhibition of contemporary designs. We’re looking forward to sharing these beautiful prints, all selected with an eye to the modern Japanese aesthetic. Have a look at the group and click on the Contemporary Japanese design link to see the entire collection.

Signed - Masaya W. in pencil in bottom margin, dated '99
Numbered - 41/300

Artist - Masaya Watabe (born 1931)

Image Size - 10 1/8" x 14 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight rubbing and tape remnants on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. A couple light creases at corners, a few lightly rubbed spots in margins. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.