Artist/ Signature: Yoshida Hiroshi (ca.1876-1950), with Jizure Seal

Age: ca.1933, Showa 8,

Title/ Print State: Sarusa Pond, ca. 1933, "1st Edition,"

Publisher: Watanabe,

Listed Valuation: $1200-1800USD*;

Rare! An original "1st Edition" Yoshida Hiroshi print titled "Sarusawa Pond," ca.1933 Showa Year 8. Listed in "The Complete Woodblock Prints of Yoshida Hiroshi," Ave Publishing Co., 1987. Also listed in "Japanese Woodblock Prints," by Sandra Andacht, Kraus Publications, ca.2000, page 196, @$1200-1800USD.

This print depicted Yoshida's new technique of "soft" lines and subtle hues. Yoshida created a hazy, dusk-like quality in this vibrantly and intensely colored print. The colors are intense yet, feel soft. There is also nice bleed through. Yoshida's jizure seal is present in the upper left margin, signifying Yoshida Hiroshi oversaw this printing himself. He even brush signed his name on the lower right as well as having publisher Watanabe's penciled signature of Yoshida Hiroshi's name. There is printing pigment stain on the lower left and a faint crease that extends into the left lower image (see enlargements). This area of the print had accidentally come in contact with the yellow pigment used in the printing of the willow tree blossoms. Personally, I do not find either flaw as much of a detraction. THIS IS STILL A FINE RARE PRINT. Furthermore, this print is in its original state without being laid down or backed.

*"Japanese Woodblock Prints," by Sandra Andacht, Kraus Publications, ca.2000, page 196, listed value $1,200-1,800USD.

Condition: Very Fine Condition, color and registration with no foxing or toning.