Twilight in Yakushiji Temple, 1953

by Takeji Asano (1900 - 1999)

Current Status

Twilight in Yakushiji Temple, 1953 by Takeji Asano (1900 - 1999)

Original Takeji Asano (1900 - 1999) Japanese Woodblock Print
Twilight in Yakushiji Temple, 1953

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 - Beautiful shin-hanga view of the famous East Pagoda at Yakushiji or Yakushi Temple in Nara, a structure that dates from the 8th century. A few figures wander about the grounds as twilight falls, the sky beginning to darken and shadows starting to fall beneath the eaves of the ornate building. Lovely color and fine bokashi shading in this attractive view.

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

Artist - Takeji Asano (1900 - 1999)

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

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.

Twilight in Yakushiji Temple, 1953 by Takeji Asano (1900 - 1999)
Twilight in Yakushiji Temple, 1953 by Takeji Asano (1900 - 1999)