Title : Naruko Hot Springs

Artist : Kasamatsu Shiro

Date : 1954

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Source : Japanese Art Open Database
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Description : Japanese Woodblock by Kasamatsu ‘Naruko Hot Springs’ (1954) An interior bath scene titled in Japanese kanji (left margin) as “Naruko no Yu” which translates in English as “Naruko Hot Spring” by Shiro Kasamatsu (1898-1991). Bears artist’s signature/seal in lower left corner of image. Print bears Unsodo’s Publisher’s rectangular seal in left margin along with the carver/printer seals of Nagashima/Shinmi. Below that, importantly, is the “kanji margin-dating” of “Showa 29,” or 1954?since ONLY “first edition” prints are known to have such margin-dating?and additionally, it has recently been learned that only 100 such dated “first edition” prints were ever produced. Dr. Andreas Grund’s authoritative reference titled “The Complete Woodblocks of Shiro Kasamatsu” lists this print as #U-43. Also bears “Gei” watermark (“gei” is the first kanji character of the of the Unsodo Publishers name, "Un-so-do,” which is spelled “gei” if alone) in the lower left corner. Circa 1957?first edition. Seldom seen, the presence of this print’s original (“kanji”) “margin-dating" seen in the lower left margin indicates that this print to be a FIRST EDITION printing. All later editions printed LACK this margin-dating, as upon competition of the first 100 prints, the Japanese dates were carved off of the “key-block.” To learn more about the dating of editions and prints by Unsodo Publisher, click the following link about ”Unsodo Publisher.” Nicely printed?superbly executed “bokashi” (gradation of color) throughout the print. Crisp, sharp “key-lines.” Excellent “bleed-through” of colors to backside. Print is in very good condition?no tears, no fading, clean backside?does have several very faint, small “age spots” mostly in the upper margin (but none within the image). (Note: Small “notch” cut into the lower right corner is known as a “kento cut” and is a necessary aid in the printing process as this ensures perfect alignment and “registration” of the many various woodblocks used during the printing of each color.) Image measures 9 ? x 14 3/8 inches.

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