Woodblock print, color woodcut, printed on Japan wove paper.
Edition unknown, but certainly small.
Toshi Yoshida first created prints in the Shin-hanga style, which early in the 20th century emulated the famous Ukiyo-E prints and eventually returned to this style later in life. After the war, however, Yoshida increasingly became influenced by the Sosaku Hanga school, literally creative print, and turned to abstraction. In this highly stylized composition of what looks like a nude woman seated, perhaps holding a baby in her arms (?), the artist uses a ceramic effect. Yoshida imitated the frosted or speckled finish sometimes found in celadon (and other color) glazes. How he obtained this, very probably from a single matrix, is anyone’s guess. But the interest in simultaneous color printing, and the longstanding tradition of hand-applications of colors onto woodblocks, clearly inspired him. This is a highly unusual color effect in printmaking.
Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil. Image size: 14 ½ x 9 ⅝ inches.
Tape residue discoloration in the top margin, along with a band of tone, away from the image. A small, faded stain in the right margin. Otherwise in excellent condition.
