<b>KANCHENJUNGA (NOON)</b> / Hiroshi Yoshida1931<B>SOLD</B></em>
ARTIST: Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950)
TITLE: Kanchenjunga (Noon)
SERIES: India and Southeast Asia
MEDIUM: Woodblock
DATE: 1931
DIMENSIONS: 10 ½ x 15 5/8 inches
CONDITION: Excellent with sharp and vivid colors
LITERATURE: Ogura, Yoshida Hiroshi Zenhangashu (The Complete Woodblock Prints of Hiroshi Yoshida), Abe Shuppan, Tokyo, 1987, pl.
NOTE: Exceedingly rare early trial impression with Large red jizuri seal and more expressive coloration
SOLD
Details
The majestic peak of Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain, rises on the border between Nepal and Sikkim. Yoshida was quite taken by this locale and produced a series of three prints of this mountainous range at different times of day utilizing a single set of woodblocks. The three prints reveal Yoshida's sensitivity and skill in the nuances of capturing light in the medium of woodblock prints.
In this design, Yoshida utilizes bright hues of yellow, blue, and gray to provide a clear view of the mountainous range. The snowcapped peaks are clearly visible as the afternoon light illuminates the intricate topography of the peaks. Yoshida’s masterful use of light is evident, as the composition has a striking photographic quality rarely encountered in woodblock prints of this time.
Connoisseur's Note
There is a robust and growing interest in Yoshida’s designs of the Indian subcontinent. Many of these designs were not produced in the same large-scale production as the artist’s Japanese scene. Consequently, this design is among the artist’s most scarce works and one of the most sought-after designs from this series.
This impression is an excellent example of the design. The print looks like it could have been created today, exhibiting fresh, untouched colors. This print features Yoshida’s “jizuri seal” and a brush and pencil signature, indicating it was produced under his strict supervision.
