An adorable woodblock print of puppies from Korin-Gafu by Houchu Nakamura. Title: "Inukoro 狗子" (Puppy, Dog) Artist: Hochu NAKAMURA 中村芳中 (?-1819) Technique: Woodblock print The Rinpa art, founded by Tawaraya Sōtatsu and Hon'ami Kōetsu, then inherited and developed by artists such as Ogata Kōrin and Sakai Hōitsu. While Rinpa art is characterized by its ornate, decorative, and dignified sophistication, there is one painter whose style is best described as "cute" and "relaxed." His name is Nakamura Hōchū (?-1819). His birth year is unknown, and documents about his life are scarce, he is a mysterious artist from the mid to late Edo period. His amateurish, free-flowing, and humorous style creates a unique presence. He learned the Rinpa style through self-study, but he is not entirely devoted to it; many of his works are imbued with the spirit of Haiku and Zen. He is also known as a master of finger painting, a technique that uses fingers and nails in addition to paintbrushes. "Puppy" is one of Hochu's masterpieces from the book “Korin Gafu”. It is a work that could be called a prime example of what is described today as "Kawaii(Cute)". The thick, gentle lines and large, simplified depictions of the subject are characteristic of Hochu's style. At the time, few people were able to paint such "cute" pictures. Capturing a subject so succinctly and depicting it in such a lovely way is a rare feat. It's a really heartwarming piece that is rare in the Rinpa style. This is reproduced by Unsodo, printed in recent years using newly carved woodblocks in later generations. The woodblock print is in very good condition. There are traces of cellophane tape and a few ink spots, please check the photos. Dimensions Paper size: 285 x 410 mm Shipment with tracking we do combine shipments for woodblock prints, please have a look at our weekly selection of Japanese fine arts! Thank you!