<b>MT. KUSATSU-SHIRANE</b> / Umetaro Azechi1940$1,800</em>
ARTIST: Umetaro Azechi (1902-1999)
TITLE: Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1940
DIMENSIONS: 13 x 19 1/4 inches
CONDITION: Excellent; no problems to note
NOTE: Exceedingly early self-printed example
LITERATURE: Machida City International Print Museum, Azechi Umetaro complete prints works, 1991
$1,800.00
Details
Umataro Azechi, a prominent Sosaku Hanga artist and avid mountaineer, dedicated a significant portion of his artistic career to capturing the diverse landscapes of the mountains he scaled, immortalizing Japan's untamed wilderness. This captivating composition portrays the formidable Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane, an active volcano renowned for both its natural beauty and the abundant hot springs fueled by the region's thermal energy.
This locale might also be familiar, as it hosts the famous snow monkeys that frequent the outdoor hot springs in this area. Azechi's bold approach vividly depicts the mountainous terrain, transitioning from lush green hills in the foreground to the rugged brown rock formations at the summit. In the distance, a red peak emits smoke, conveying the active nature of the volcano. Clearly illustrating why Azechi, alongside Sekino, was one of Onchi’s most trusted artisan printers, this design powerfully demonstrates the artist’s mastery of the spontaneous and expressive quality of Sosaku Hanga printmaking.
Connoisseur's Note
Self-printed Azechi prints from this early period of his career are exceedingly rare and quite sought after. This work is in pristine condition with vivid colors—a testament to its years of archival storage.
