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.

Comments - A beautiful winter night scene in Gion, Kyoto with a pair of lights illuminating the sidewalk and a light snow falling. The smaller snowflakes are hand applied to each print, making each one distinct. This limited edition sosaku hanga print by Toshikage Osanai is one of the artist’s best designs. The artist is a member of the Institute of Japanese Prints and has won several awards in Japan.

Signed - Toshikage Osanai in pencil in bottom margin, titled in Japanese
Numbered - 43/200

Artist - Toshikage Osanai (born 1947)

Image Size - 8 1/4" x 11 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.