Mori Shuncho, "Hirosaki Castle in Moonlight"

In this rare and beautifully executed woodblock print, the four century-old Hirosaki Castle is illuminated by a full moon on a clear evening. The shadow cast onto Hirosaki Castle by a nearby tree gives this woodblock print by Shuncho a unique radiance.

Date: c. 1950
Size: Oban (slightly larger at approx. 10.5” x 15.5“)
Publisher: Dairinsha (Carver: Maeda Kentaro; Printer: Ono)
Condition: Excellent
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" 1/2" Classic Wood, Ebony

Little is known about Mori Shuncho (active 1940s and 1950s). Aside from this woodblock print, not many of his works are documented, though he is known to have worked with the great Natori Shunsen, one of the 20th century’s greatest makers of Kabuki actor woodblock prints.