Moonlight Woodblock Print

This moonlight woodblock print for sale by Eijiro Kobayashi 1870-1946, also known as Yeijiro, is entitled “Summer Evening on the Sumida River. ” Published by Hasegawa as part of the series”Hasegawa’s Night Scenes,” which was composed predominately of Shin Hanga artists, the image dates to the 1920s. Known for his romantic evening scenes, this Shin Hanga artist incorporated Western elements of European impressionist modernism into his works while retaining the principles of Japanese traditional woodblock prints in the Ukiyo-e style.

Along with fellow Shin Hanga contemporaries such as Hasui Kawase, Goyo Hashiguchi, Hiroshi Yoshida, and Koson Ohara, Kobayashi retained the element of focus on traditional subjects like landscapes and romantic evening scenes as in this framed print for sale. The subject of focus in the image, the blue sky and the ombre texture of the water with shimmering waves of moonlight. Figures are shown as cast silhouettes and are almost transparent to the landscape and scenic imagery.

The image retains a single red stamped seal in the lower right of the print, and the matting retains a translated inscription of the image titled and artist name. A fine and vibrant element for interior wall art decor and Japanese woodblock collectors alike and for anyone that collects artists within the Shina Hanga school of early 20th century Japanese art.

The woodblock print measures 9 inches in height and 6.5 inches in visible width through the frame. The frame measures 17.5 inches in height and measures 13.5 inches in width.

The mating with minor toning. The frame with light abrasions and wear. The reverse of the frame with hanging hinges removed and are not included in this purchase. The woodblock print is hinged and mounted to the backing.