Artist: Kasamatsu Shiro
Title: Moonlight Night (Cat)
Date: 1958
Details: More information...
Source:
Japanese Art Open Database
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Description:
Japanese Woodblock by Kasamatsu ‘Moonlight Night (Cat)’ (1958) A bold and semi-abstract nightscene titled in Japanese kanji (left margin) as “Tsukiyo” which translates in English as “Moonlight Night” by Shiro Kasamatsu (1898-1991). Bears artist’s signature/seal in lower left corner of image. Print bears Unsodo’s Publisher’s rectangular seal in left margin along with the carver/printer seals of Okura/Shinmi. Print itself is undated, however Dr. Andreas Grund’s fine Kasamatsu reference lists print (#U-88) as first produced in “Showa 33” or 1958. Additionally, Okura (carver) is known to have worked for Unsodo during the 1950’s, and Shinmi (printer) is currently in his 90’s and has long since stopped working. Also bears “Gei” watermark (“gei” is the first kanji character of the of the Unsodo Publishers name, "Un-so-do,” which is spelled “gei” if alone) in the lower left corner. Circa likely 1970’s/80’s?somewhat older paper. Special Note?To my knowledge, this is the first time this image has been seen on eBay’s auctions. Nicely printed?much more in the style of Kasamatsu’s later “sosaku hanga” (creative print) style. Somewhat limited use of “bokashi” (skillful gradation of colors) to the distant background. Good “bleed-through” of colors to backside. Print is in very fine condition?no tears, no stains, no fading?clean backside. (Note: Small “notch” cut into the lower right corner is known as a “kento cut” and is a necessary aid in the printing process as this ensures perfect alignment and “registration” of the many various woodblocks used during the printing of each color.) Image measures 9 5/8 x 14 3/8 inches.
