Rinnoji Garden - Toshi Yoshida 吉田遠志 (1911–1995) - Japan

Toshi Yoshida (1911–1995) – Oniwa (Garden) – 1941 – Japanese Woodblock Print
An evocative and early woodblock print by Toshi Yoshida (1911–1995), one of the most internationally recognised Japanese printmakers of the 20th century and an important figure in the Yoshida artistic dynasty.
The work is titled Oniwa (お庭 – “Garden”) and is dated Shōwa 16 (1941) in the left margin.
The composition depicts a serene traditional Japanese garden, with figures gathered beside a pond, surrounded by rocks, trees, stone lanterns and architectural elements. The restrained palette of greens, ochres and blues creates the quiet and contemplative atmosphere characteristic of Yoshida’s early landscape works.
Of particular interest is the 自刻 (jikoku, “self-carved”) inscription visible in the upper left margin, indicating that Yoshida carved the blocks himself. This is an especially attractive feature for collectors of Yoshida’s early prints.
The print also bears:
- the Japanese title お庭 (Oniwa / Garden)
- the date 昭和十六年作 (Shōwa 16 / 1941)
- the 自刻 (jikoku / self-carved) inscription
- Yoshida’s red seal
- the artist’s name within the image
- a pencil inscription/signature in the lower margin
The reverse of the sheet shows the characteristic penetration of pigments and printing impressions associated with traditional Japanese woodblock printing.
Condition
The print is presented in vintage condition consistent with its age. There is toning together with traces of previous mounting on the reverse. Please carefully examine all photographs, including the complete front, reverse, margins, inscriptions, seal and pencil writing, as they form an integral part of the condition description.
Despite its age, the image retains an appealing range of colours and the composition remains highly atmospheric.
A particularly interesting example from Toshi Yoshida’s early period, dating from 1941 and distinguished by the jikoku (self-carved) inscription.