<b>SUITE OF SIX WOODBLOCK PRINTS</b> / Cyrus LeRoy Baldridge1925<B>SOLD</B></em>

Details

Cyrus LeRoy Baldridge (1889–1977) was a multifaceted American artist, illustrator, and globetrotter whose life and work left an indelible mark on the art world. Born in Alton, Illinois, Baldridge's artistic journey began with formal training at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. His insatiable wanderlust, however, led him to embark on extensive travels around the globe. In the 1920s, he found himself captivated by the cultural riches of Japan, where he immersed himself in the art of woodblock printing. During his time in Japan, Baldridge formed a notable association with the renowned Japanese woodblock print publisher, Watanabe Shōzaburō. This collaboration marked a significant chapter in his career, as he worked closely with Watanabe to produce a series of striking woodblock prints that seamlessly blended traditional Japanese techniques with Baldridge's unique artistic vision.

This suite of six woodblock prints represents the artist’s complete output with the renowned Japanese woodblock print publisher Watanabe. These woodblock prints depict Baldridge’s fascination with Asia and his interest in traveling to significant cultural sites and engaging directly with the cultures therein. The prints blend Baldridge's distinctive Western artistic sensibilities with traditional Japanese techniques, creating a harmonious fusion of cultures. The precision and intricacy of the woodblock carving showcase Baldridge's technical prowess, while the vivid color palette and dynamic compositions reflect his keen understanding of visual storytelling. Each print is a testament to the seamless synergy between the artist and the craftsmen at Watanabe, resulting in a series that transcends cultural boundaries and stands as a testament to the universal language of art. Baldridge's collaboration with Watanabe produced visually stunning works and contributed to the rich tapestry of cross-cultural artistic exchange. This collaboration with Watanabe contributed to the revival of interest in traditional Japanese woodblock printing and solidified Baldridge's reputation as a versatile and globally inspired artist. Beyond his achievements in the world of woodblock printing, Baldridge's broader body of work, including illustrations and writings, reflected a keen observer's perspective on the cultures and landscapes he encountered during his extensive travels.

Connoisseur's Note

This set of six woodblock prints includes Peking Winter, 1925; Peking, 1925; North Gate, Peking,1925; Coal Hill, Peking, 1925; and two untiled rarely seen market scenes in or around Peking, c.1925. The prints are in an exceedingly fine state of preservation with sharp and vivid colors. Each work is signed and numbered. Four designs were produced in an edition of 200, while one was executed in 100 impressions, and the other is simply numbered “x39”. Though four of the designs are seen in the marketplace, two are incredibly rare. In fact, Robert O. Muller, the notable Shin Hanga collector whose collection now resides at the Smithsonian, was missing two of the six designs at the time of the publication of the New Wave.

This collection is made even more complete with the inclusion of Balridges’s book, Time and Chance, published in 1947, which details his many adventures traveling the world and creating art.