Tsuchiya Koitsu (1870-1949) - Published by Doi Eiichi - Japan

Technique Original woodblock print
Artist Tsuchiya Koitsu (1870-1949)
Title:Snowfall in early spring
Japan, Dawn (2019-Present)


This woodblock print is a beautiful work by Tsuchiya Koitsu, a prominent figure in the Shin-Hanga (New Prints) movement during the early Shōwa period.
Alongside Kawase Hasui, Koitsu played a central role in reviving traditional ukiyo-e with modern sensibilities.

The scene depicts Zojoji Temple in winter, quietly enveloped by heavy snow clouds.
The sky is rendered in deep blue-grey tones, where continuous snowfall softens the daylight, creating a distinctive atmosphere of stillness and quiet gravity throughout the composition. The contrast between the snow-covered white surfaces, the overcast sky, and the warm vermilion architecture of the temple is particularly striking, fully expressing Tsuchiya Koitsu’s refined and sophisticated sense of color.

Snow resting on the branches and gently falling flakes are masterfully conveyed through delicate gradations and layered multicolor woodblock printing, evoking a poetic scene in which time seems to pass slowly. The figures are deliberately kept small and understated, while the expansive use of negative space strongly reflects a distinctly Japanese aesthetic and spiritual sensibility.

Koitsu is renowned for his realistic detail and emotionally rich landscapes. In this piece, his mastery of traditional woodblock techniques is evident in the soft, layered colors and the subtle depth of the scene.

This work is not only a timeless example of Japanese artistic tradition, but also a popular choice for modern interiors.
It brings a quiet elegance and a sense of seasonal beauty to any space.

We highly recommend this piece as an artful expression of Japan’s cultural spirit and aesthetic sensibility.
First published in 1933.

This is a later edition, printed using the original woodblocks.
Printed by: Doi Print Shop
Printmaker: Yamamoto
Carver: Harada

Size in the margins: 364 x 238 mm.
Full sheet size: 420 x 278 mm.
Unframed.
Mint condition!

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