Shiro Kasamatsu, "Toshogu Shrine, Ueno in Spring"

Toshugu Shrine at Ueno Park in Tokyo was built in the 17th century to honor the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Here the pagoda at Toshogu is shown behind a grove of blossoming cherry trees. The halo of light at the center of the composition is delicately printed to give the pagoda prominence in the design.

Date: 1935
Size: Oban
Early edition (6mm seal)
Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
Condition: Excellent/fine color and condition
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" x 1/2", Classic Wood, Clear Walnut

Shiro Kasamatsu (1898-1991) began his artistic career during the shin-hanga period and would go on to produce some of Japan's most recognizable woodblock prints. Starting in second-half of the 20th century, Shiro would go on to carve, print, and publish his own prints, making him an influential artist in the sosaku-hanga movement as well.