<b>KILIMANJARO, MORNING 238/600</b> / Toshi Yoshida1977<B>SOLD</B></em>
ARTIST: Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995)
TITLE: Kilimanjaro, Morning 238/600
MEDIUM: Woodblock
DATE: 1977
DIMENSIONS: 12 x 25 inches
CONDITION: Pristine—no problems to note
NOTE: Rare lifetime impression with live signature in pencil
SOLD
Details
Toshi Yoshida, a distinguished figure in the woodblock print tradition, continued the artistic legacy established by his father, Hiroshi Yoshida, by venturing into foreign subjects from various countries. While boldly exploring themes from around the world, Toshi remained dedicated to upholding the impeccable quality in production that defined his family's artistic lineage. A true innovator in the medium, Toshi seamlessly merged tradition with contemporary vision, expanding the boundaries of woodblock prints.
A compelling example of Toshi’s exploration of foreign landscapes is exemplified in his woodblock print titled "Kilimanjaro, Morning." Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain, stands at an impressive 19,341 feet and is known for its distinct ice cap. Toshi's design, executed with surprising photographic realism, showcases his artistic prowess while capturing the mountain's majestic beauty in the early morning hours. The composition skillfully illustrates Kilimanjaro's stunning topography, incorporating details of the surrounding terrain, vegetation, and wildlife. Toshi's experimentation in the printed medium is evident in his use of both woodblock prints and zinc plates for this design, highlighting his innovative approach. Similar to his father, Toshi produced different designs from the same blocks, portraying the mountain at various times of the day to emphasize the interplay of light and shadow. The design's textured elements and shadows contribute to an alluring sense of depth, while the technical mastery displayed through striking colors and bokashi (color gradation) gives the print a compelling tactile quality, affirming Toshi Yoshida's legacy as a masterful contributor to the woodblock print tradition.
Connoisseur's Note
This print is in pristine condition with exceptional colors and a razor-sharp impression. The print is a rare lifetime impression with a live pencil signature. Later, posthumous impressions have stamped signatures and a series of Japanese characters on the reverse identifying the new publisher.
