<b>TOSHOGU SHRINE, APRIL</b> / Asami Kojo1931-1932<b>SOLD</b></em>

Details

Asami Kojo was known as a Nihonga painter based in Nagoya. Kojo routinely exhibited his paintings at government-sponsored exhibitions such as the Bunten, Teiten, and Shin-Bunten. Though he is not known for his woodblock print designs, he was quite a capable artist and easily extended himself into this medium.

In 1931–1932 Kojo produced 12 prints inspired by the months of the year as they unfolded in his native home of Nagoya. These prints were well received in Nagoya but were never produced in substantial quantities as one might expect in a larger market such as Tokyo.

 In this design, Kojo presents the viewer with a captivating night scene of cherry blossoms at Toshogu Shrine. The scene is set ablaze with two overly active torches beckoning the viewer to enter. What sets Kojo apart from other print artists of this time is his work pays careful attention to the figures that populate the designs. Unlike other artists in the Shin Hanga tradition such as Hasui or H. Yoshida, Kojo carefully articulates the figures in his work, giving them personalities and expressions that directly interact with the scene the artist conjures. Even the figures rendered silhouette, demonstrate specific attributes and personalities. As the viewer enters the temple complex Kojo provides individually articulated figures that are curious and excited by the night’s festivities.

Connoisseur's Note

Kojo’s woodblock prints are seldom available for sale. The limited quantities in which they were originally produced have ensured their rarity and well as their desirability among collectors. The limited-runs also ensure the quality of their printing. If one looks closely, this impression displays a strong painterly effect—perhaps mimicking the artist’s technique in painting, as the hungry flames in the torches eagerly extend into the night air. Also of note is the woodgrain design in the sky, skillful use of bokashi, or color gradation, as well as the use of deluxe printing techniques of overprinting most noticeable in the fire and portions of the trees.