Takeji Asano - Born in Kyoto, Takeji Asano worked in both the shin-hanga and sosaku hanga Japanese woodblock print traditions. He studied Western and Japanese painting, and became interested in woodblock prints after taking a class with Hiratsuka Un'ichi, one of the founders of the sosaku hanga or creative print movement. In 1929, he helped form the Kyoto Creative Print Society. After WWII, he created many woodblocks of scenery and famous sites in and around Kyoto in various seasons. In addition to designing shin-hanga series for Uchida and Unsodo, he also published his own works. His colorful sosaku hanga woodblocks, self-carved and self-printed, have a real graphic appeal, with bold line work, sweeping views, and handsome compositions. Asano's prints are a great choice for the modern collector, and make attractive framed displays.

Comments - Interesting view of a farmer making his way through a grove of bamboo in Saga, carrying a hoe over his shoulder. The tall stalks tower above him, casting shadows across the path. A fence and oranges lilies frame the scene in the foreground. A handsome design.

Publisher - Unsodo, with publisher's seal in left margin, later edition

Artist - Takeji Asano (1900 - 1999)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.