Tsuchiya Koitsu, "Spring Rain at Matsushima"

The islands of Matsushima Bay in Miyagi Prefecture are among Japan’s most picturesque landscapes. In this popular design by Tsuchiya Koitsu, a lone tree frames an idyllic view of one of the many islands scattered across the bay, captured during a gentle rain shower. A small boat glides quietly over the calm water, and the composition is beautifully rendered with soft, muted colors. An extremely rare first-edition printing from a prominent Japanese collection of shin-hanga.

Date: 1936
Size: Oban (approx. 15” x 9.5”)
First edition (Ikeda/Yokoi)
Publisher: Doi Sadaichi
Condition: Light toning to edges, otherwise excellent color and condition
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" x 1/2", Classic Wood, Clear Walnut

Tsuchiya Koitsu (1870-1949) was a student of Kobayashi Kiyochika whose landscape prints are widely regarded and coveted by collectors today.