Hiroshi Yoshida - Leading Shin Hanga Printmaker
94870
Ten Views of Mt. Fuji - Lake Kawaguchi
$2,800 - 5/19/2024
Hiroshi Yoshida is widely recognized as a pivotal figure in the revival of Japanese printmaking following the end of the Meiji period in 1912. This resurgence was defined by two prominent artistic movements: the 'shin hanga' (modern prints) and the 'sosaku hanga' (creative prints) movements.
Biography of Hiroshi Yoshida
Hiroshi Yoshida (1876–1950) was a renowned Japanese artist, born on September 19, 1876, in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The son of an elementary school principal, Yoshida demonstrated exceptional artistic talent from a young age, which led to his enrollment in a private art school in Tokyo at the age of 18.
Initially a painter, Hiroshi Yoshida transitioned to woodblock prints in 1920. This career-defining shift was influenced by his meeting with Watanabe Shozaburo, the owner of the Watanabe print store in Tokyo. Watanabe facilitated the publication of Hiroshi Yoshida's first seven woodblock prints, marking his entry into the world of Japanese printmaking.
Hiroshi Yoshida and the Creation of Japanese Prints
Traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking relied on collaboration between the artist, carver, and printer/publisher. In contrast, the sosaku hanga movement emphasized artists independently carrying out all stages of the printmaking process. Although closely associated with shin hanga, Hiroshi Yoshida aspired to create prints autonomously, demonstrating his innovative approach to printmaking.
After the Great Kanto Earthquake destroyed Watanabe's store in 1923, Yoshida took a pivotal step by employing his own artisans in 1925. He supervised their work meticulously and occasionally engaged in block carving himself to ensure the highest quality in his prints.
Hiroshi Yoshida and French Impressionism
55148
Sailing Boats in the Morning - Inland Sea
$1,100 - 11/25/2012
Inspired by French impressionists, who explored the same subject under varying lighting conditions, the shin hanga movement combined this concept with traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking techniques. Hiroshi Yoshida incorporated this artistic fusion into his works, creating designs that captured different times of the day, weather conditions, or lighting effects.
Among his notable works are depictions of iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis in Athens, the Sphinx in Egypt, the Sailing Boats series, the Sumida River, Himeji Castle, the Kanchenjunga Mountains, the Taj Mahal, the Caravan from Afghanistan, and other renowned scenes, showcasing his mastery of landscape printmaking.
A Prolific Traveler
Hiroshi Yoshida was an avid traveler who visited the United States, Europe, Africa, India, China, Korea, and various regions of Japan. An enthusiastic mountaineer, he founded the Nihon Sangakuga Kyokai (Japan Alpine Artist Association). His prints often reflect landscapes from his travels, particularly mountainous regions, emphasizing his deep connection to nature and exploration.
While deeply rooted in Japanese traditions, Hiroshi Yoshida was also a cosmopolitan artist who seamlessly blended influences from both Eastern and Western art. His legacy endures not only through his own artworks but also through his sons, Toshi Yoshida and Hodaka Yoshida, who became prominent artists in their own right, furthering the Yoshida family's artistic heritage.
Woodblock Prints by Hiroshi Yoshida
The featured prints come from our archive of previously sold Japanese prints by Hiroshi Yoshida, showcasing the breadth of his artistic achievements and the timeless appeal of his works.
91482
Twelve Scenes in the Japanese Alps - Climbing Snow Valley, Mt. Harinoki
$2,100 - 7/10/2022
92208
12 Scenes in Japan Alps - Mt. Tsurugi in the Morning
$2,000 - 9/18/2022
91439
The Inland Sea - Seto Naikai - Kinoe
$500 - 6/19/2022
91481
Approach to Agra No.3 - Taj Mahal - India
$2,000 - 7/10/2022
Author:
Dieter Wanczura, revised by AI
First Publication: 8/10/2001
Latest Update: 11/22/2024
Literature reference
"The complete Woodblock Prints of Hiroshi Yoshida", published by ABE Corporation, ISBN 4-87242-121-3.
Signatures and Seals of Hiroshi Yoshida 1876-1950
"Jizuri" (Printed by himself) Hiroshi used this stamp to indicate the quality of the printing was up to his standard.
"Toku" (Special): This seal was used by Hiroshi Yoshida for his prints set aside for special reasons.
Want to know when art works by Hiroshi Yoshida 1876-1950 are in our auctions?
A major exhibition of the woodblock print works of Toshi and Hiroshi Yoshida sponsored by International Yoshida Academy, Iida city township, Chuo newspapers, was held in Nagano prefecture in May, 2019. The subtitle of the exhibitions was The Devil and the Son of Devil. The second exhibition, featuring not only the works of Toshi and Hiroshi but also Toshi's principal student Ryusei Okamoto's works, was opened in July, 2019. The sub-title of this acclaimed exhibition was The Devil, the Son of Devil and His Disciple, which was a very fitted title for the three talented and fiercely dedicated artists. Subscribe to the artelino youtube channel.
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