A lovely image of a flowering cherry tree in a courtyard next to an entrance gate. Delicate pink buds and blossoms cover graceful branches of the tree, the color echoed in the soft peachy pink tone of the sky. Near the doorway, a young boy tugs on his mother’s hand, the small figures dwarfed by immense tree. A beautiful spring scene with lovely color.
This print is block-signed in the lower margin.
The Woodblock Print
The oban-sized woodblock is in excellent condition with fully intact margins and press edges to the paper. Nice subtle coloring throughout, solid lines and registry. Clean margins and a clean verso. Toning/mat lines in the margins.
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)
