Mori Shunchô (act. 1940-50s)
The famous Hirosaki castle, located in the Aomori prefecture in northern Japan, lit by moonlight on a starry night.
Title: Getsumei (tsukiakari) no Hirosaki-jô (Hirosaki castle in moonlight)
Signature: Shunchô saku (?), and in margin "Mori Shunchô hitsu"
Seal: Shunchô
Carver: Maeda Kentarô
Printer: Ono Hikojirô
Publisher: Daireisha-han, Tokyo
Date: c. 1940s-1955
Size: Vertical Ôban, 37,9 x 24,5 cm (image size)
Excellent impression, colours and condition. Paper only minimally age toned.
About the artist, said to be pupil of Natori Shunsen, virtually nothing more is known. Probably only this one - extremely atmospheric - print by his design exists.
The publishing house Daireisha did not publish very many woodblock prints, which is regrettable in view of the masterful quality of carving and printing as seen here.
Cf. Honolulu Museum of Art, CRoach Coll., No. 31320
sold