<b>JUNE OSO TEMPLE</b> / Asami Kojo1931-1932<b>SOLD</b></em>
ARTIST: Asami Kojo (1890–1974)
TITLE: Oso Temple, June 1931–1932
SERIES: New Publishing of the Famous Places in Nagoya
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1931-32
DIMENSIONS: 15 x 9 3/4 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no condition problems to note
SOLD
ARTIST: Asami Kojo (1890–1974)
TITLE: Oso Temple, June 1931–1932
SERIES: New Publishing of the Famous Places in Nagoya
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1931-32
DIMENSIONS: 15 x 9 3/4 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no condition problems to note
SOLD
ARTIST: Asami Kojo (1890–1974)
TITLE: Oso Temple, June 1931–1932
SERIES: New Publishing of the Famous Places in Nagoya
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1931-32
DIMENSIONS: 15 x 9 3/4 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no condition problems to note
SOLD
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 not known for his woodblock print designs, he was quite a capable artist that 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 beautiful night scene set in the early summer night air of June. The strong wood grain creates a convincing atmospheric effect that suggests fog, humidity or perhaps the smoke emanating from the various offerings of incense in the burners at the lower portion of the design. 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 ensured the quality of their printing. Of particular note is the wood grain, skillful use of bokashi, or color gradation, as well as the use of deluxe printing techniques of overprinting most noticeable in the temple’s roof and in the bright red balloons.
