Sadanobu Hasegawa 'Four Seasons' Woodblock Prints

This collection comprises four Japanese woodblock prints by Sadanobu Hasegawa III, each portraying a Maiko (Geisha apprentice) representing one of the four seasons: "Maiko in Summer", "Maiko in Winter", "Maiko in Spring", and "Maiko in Fall". These pieces were acquired by our client in Japan. The prints are encased in complementary gilt faux bamboo frames, protected behind glass.

About the Artist

Sadanobu Hasegawa III (1881-1963), a renowned figure in Japanese printmaking, continued the legacy of his father and grandfather. Born in Osaka, he initially trained under Shijo painter Ueda Kocho and later under Utagawa Sadamasu. As a member of the Osaka School, Hasegawa's most significant contributions to woodblock printing occurred post-World War II.

Renowned for blending traditional ukiyo-e methods with contemporary approaches, Hasegawa III's work often featured kabuki and bunraku theater, Kyoto's elegant women, and scenes from Japan's medieval history and legends. His innovative use of hand-carved blocks, along with occasional modern elements like embossed metal pigments, distinguished his artistry. His prints, primarily targeting the international market, depicted an almost 'Disneyland'-like vision of Japan, with select colors and themes that resonated globally. Most of his creations were commissioned by the Uchida company, one of Japan's leading woodblock print publishers of the time.