Issued in 1980 by the Franklin Mint Gallery and published by the Yoshida Family Publishers, this woodblock series (a triptych) was sold individually as well as the series, framed or unframed. Each print is 15″x31″, enabling these beautiful prints to be both stunning in their detail and quality, but also oversized in their impact when most ukiyo-e and shin-hanga prints are 10″x15″ (oban) or smaller. Each is pencil-signed by the artist in Japanese (whereas the rest of his prints are signed in western script).
The three prints in the triptych from left to right are:
- Pine Tree of the Friendly Garden
- Bamboo Tree of the Friendly Garden
- Plum Tree of the Friendly Garden
This triptych comes with the three original certificates of authenticity in the original pamphlets.
The Woodblock Prints
This triptych is kakemono sized (approximately 15″ x 31″ each), making this a large and powerful composition. The prints are in excellent condition with strong color and clean margins (no foxing, fading or mat burn). Small areas of residue of the tape that was used by the Franklin Mint when they framed the pieces which left residue on the top margin of the verso.
About the Artist
Toshi Yoshida (吉田 遠志, July 25, 1911 – July 1, 1995) was a Japanese artist known for his mastery of the traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking technique of moku-hanga. Born in Tokyo, Toshi was the son of the famous woodblock print artist Hiroshi Yoshida. He began studying art at an early age and quickly developed his skills as a printmaker.
Toshi’s work was characterized by its attention to detail and its use of vivid, bold colors. He often depicted natural landscapes and scenes of everyday life, and his prints were highly sought after by collectors around the world.
In addition to his printmaking, Toshi was also a skilled painter and illustrator. He worked on a number of book projects, including a series of children’s books that he both wrote and illustrated.
Toshi’s influence on Japanese art and culture can still be felt today. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, including the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. His prints are highly prized by collectors and are considered to be some of the finest examples of modern Japanese printmaking.
Toshi also made significant contributions to the art of printmaking through his teaching and mentorship of young artists. He established a printmaking school in Tokyo and taught many aspiring printmakers the traditional techniques of moku-hanga.
Throughout his career, Toshi remained dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Japanese art. He was honored with numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the art world, including the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan’s highest civilian honors.
Sources:
- “Toshi Yoshida: A Retrospective” by Barry Till, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (1999)
- “Toshi Yoshida: The Complete Works” by Toshi Yoshida, Abe Publishing (2005)
- “Toshi Yoshida: The Artist and His Work” by James Michener, Charles E. Tuttle Company (1968)
