This is a beautiful original vintage Japanese colour woodblock print showing a moonlight scene at Suma Beach. It dates to the first half of the 20th century, and it is a fine impression.
It was made by the celebrated Japanese woodblock artist, Arai Yoshimune, originally known as Utagawa Yoshimune II (1863-1941). After his father’s death, he was adopted by the Arai family. He succeeded his father in 1882 to become Yoshimune II and occasionally used his father’s art name Isshōsai, along with the adopted name Arai Yoshimune.
Arai worked as an illustrator and print designer, much of his known work being printed by either the Hasegawa or Nishinomiya publishing houses
He was associated with the Shin-Hanga (“New Prints”) art movement in Japan during the early 20th century. This movement was influenced by European Impressionism and its imagery focused on landscapes, women, and nature. In the 1920s, the publisher Hasegawa commissioned a small group of artists to create woodblock prints for a series entitled “Hasegawa’s Night Scenes”, of which there were a total of 21 prints by 6 artists.
The image comes from this important series and it shows two people carrying buckets on the beach at Suma.. They are on the shore and are collecting seawater - perhaps to be used later to process into salt. There is a beautiful undulating tree form to the right - and from behind its branches peeps a glowing full moon. It is a very atmosphere image - and one that Arai excelled at.
The colours of my woodblock are excellent - very vibrant and unfaded blues - with no condition issues etc. The sheet is in fine condition and has not been laid down onto an old backing sheet - there are publisher's marks and seals as expected in the margins - as photographed. I have had it professionally re-framed and it is beautifully present - ready for you to just hang on your wall.
It is for UK posting only and will be sent to you fully insured with Royal Mail Special Next Day Delivery. This will cost £10 and applied to your order at checkout.