Kisaragi 如月 (February) - Toshi Yoshida (吉田遠志 ) - Japon

Toshi Yoshida (1911–1995) – « Kisaragi » (Février)

Original Japanese color woodblock print by renowned Japanese printmaker Toshi Yoshida (吉田遠志, 1911–1995).

The work is titled “Kisaragi” (如月) and depicts a small warbler resting among blossoming red plum branches, a traditional image associated with the arrival of early spring in Japan.

The delicate pink blossoms, fine branch structure and softly rendered bird create an elegant and highly decorative composition.

This work was produced in 1982 (Showa 57) as part of a flower-and-bird woodblock print series associated with Franklin Gallery Tokyo.

Original Franklin Gallery Certificate

An original certificate issued by Franklin Gallery accompanies the work.

According to the certificate, this woodblock print was commissioned by Franklin Gallery and created by Toshi Yoshida as an original work. It states that Yoshida himself participated in carving the woodblocks and in the printing process.

The certificate also states that the work was issued by Franklin Gallery as a limited edition, restricted to the number of valid subscriptions, and that the artist's seal was applied by hand.

The certificate is dated November 1982 (Showa 57).

Additional Franklin Gallery documents and explanatory material are also included.

Signature

The print bears the inscription:

如月
遠志

together with a red artist seal.

A pencil signature “吉田遠志” (Toshi Yoshida) is also visible in the lower margin.

About the artist

Toshi Yoshida (吉田遠志, 1911–1995) was one of the major Japanese woodblock printmakers of the 20th century.

He was the eldest son of the celebrated printmaker Hiroshi Yoshida and learned traditional woodblock-printing techniques from an early age. Throughout his career, Toshi Yoshida worked across landscapes, abstract compositions and especially subjects from nature, including birds and animals.

His works are represented in major museum collections, including the British Museum and the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.

Details

Artist: Toshi Yoshida / 吉田遠志 (1911–1995)
Title: Kisaragi / 如月 – Warbler among Red Plum Blossoms
Date: 1982
Country: Japan
Technique: Original color woodblock print
Signature: Pencil signed and sealed
Publisher / Distributor: Franklin Gallery Tokyo
Framed: Yes

Dimensions

Frame: approx. 32 × 24.5 × 2 cm

Mat opening: approx. 22 × 15.5 cm

Weight: approx. 385 g

Condition

The print shows some age-related toning.

There are some stains on the mat.

The wooden frame remains in generally good condition without significant visible damage.

The accompanying documents show age-related stains.

The original outer box has tape marks, scratches, stains and other signs of storage and age.

Please carefully examine all photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description.

The work will be carefully packed for international shipment.

Customs duties, import taxes and customs clearance charges, if applicable, are the responsibility of the buyer.