Made in Japan

SPECIFICATION

Artist: Hokusai Katsushika

Series Title: Shokoku Meikyo Kiran (Rare Views of Famous Japanese Bridges)

Printing method: Hand printed woodblock print

Paper: Japanese washi paper Echizen Kizuki Bosho by Living National Treasure Iwano-Ichibe

Wood block: Cherry blossom wood

Dimension of artwork: H250mm x W377mm / about H10in x W15in

Base paper dimension: H335mm x W485mm / about H13.25in x W19in

Includes explanation of artwork in Japanese

Specification of frame: Frame is included in standard purchase. (Without frame -US125)

Dimension of frame: H350mm x W510mm x th20mm /about H13.75in x W20in x th0.75in

Material of frame: wood + acryl

Weight of frame: 1.3kg / 2.8 pounds

Made in Japan

 

TITLE: ECHIZEN FUKUI-NO-HASHI (FUKUI BRIDGE IN ECHIZEN PROVINCE)

What seems like an ordinary bridge was made of half wood and half stone to prevent water damages which was rare at the time. The artist illustrates right where the two materials join. In the distance is local signature product, paper, being dried on boards despite the fact that that particular spot did not produce paper. It is said that the artist wanted to stress the fact that the artwork illustrated the Fukui area by including their local signature product, paper, in the artwork.

 

 

SERIES: SHOKOKU MEIKYO KIRAN (RARE VIEWS OF FAMOUS JAPANESE BRIDGES)

This series was published when the artist was in his 70’s, along with his famous series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji and Travels to the Waterfalls of the Various Provinces, and is known as the last series from his masterpiece series; the reputation is exceptionally outstanding.

 

ARTIST HOKUSAI KATSUSHIKA

Hokusai Katsushika’s work is detailed and meticulous yet dynamic; he who would not miss drawing in even a strand of hair on a furry wardrobe if it was necessary to complete the dynamics of the artwork as a whole. The dynamics of his picture can also be seen from the number of woodblock layers needed print one picture; his works use relatively few woodblocks.

WHAT IS A WOODBLOCK PRINT?

Woodblock print became popular in Japan in the Edo Era (1603-1868). Although it is considered a way of mass producing copies of an art, many craftsman are involved in its process, making its production complex, thus the finished product is recognized as a piece of fine artwork. Historically in Japan, Japanese did not understand its value because, to them, it was too common; not only did it take form of art, the method was also used for books, magazines and advertisements; therefore, many original woodblock prints ended up in Western countries where they took interest in exotic foreign pictures.

PRODUCTION AND ATELIER TAKAHASHI BRAND

The woodblock prints introduced here is from Atelier Takahashi who has been printing the woodblock prints since mid-1850’s. In producing a single woodblock print, the following people are involved: artist (who draws the “original” and produces the composition), wood plate carver (who delicately carves numerous wood plate in order to achieve the original drawing when printed), and printer (who applies color to the carved wood plate and transfers it to a piece of paper.). Many people only recognize the artist’s name when it comes to woodblock print, but it is the wood plate carver and the printer’s craftsmanship that allows for numerous copies of artist’s work to be distributed. The carver must not transcend the lines drawn by the artist. The printer must layer many colors to achieve the right color and also must precisely overlay the colors so that no spot goes over the drawn lines. The fine craftsmanship of carver and printer is what determines the quality woodblock print as a final product. History of Atelier Takahashi is enough to demonstrate the quality of their craftsmanship: The Second Takahashi was awarded by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1877, the Third Takahashi was invited to present his printing skills during Prince Arthur’s stay in Japan in 1890, the Fourth Takahashi presented his printing skills to General MacArthur during his term in Japan after World War II. Despite the age of digital printing, the Sixth Takahashi succeeded the name and continues to spread woodblock prints to the world.

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