Charles W. Bartlett: Great Buddha in Kamakura (Reserved)

Artist: Charles W. Bartlett (1860-1940)
Title: Kamakura  Date: 1916

The monumental bronze Great Buddha in Kamakura sits serenely in meditation, providing inspiration and comfort as he has for more than eight centuries. Visitors wearing traditional garb enjoy the grounds of the Kotoku-in temple, which on this spring day features blooming cherry trees. To the right we see a pilgrim taking a sip of water from a cistern, and in the foreground two women chat amiably. Published by Watanabe Shozaburo in 1916, as one of Bartlett's nine Japan prints in his portfolio "2nd Series". Signed in graphite, lower left margin, with "CWB" and "Kamakura 1916" inscribed in rectangles in lower right corner of print. Watanabe's early round seal is in lower left corner of print. A scarce, pre-earthquake design. In the catalogue raisonné it is noted that the red/brown pencil signature tends to indicate a first edition. This work is so rarely seen that this dealer doubts that any subsequent editions were published. Rare design.

Condition: Excellent impression and condition; very good color. 
Dimensions: ôban 24.2 x 38 cm  Publisher: Watanabe Shôzaburô.
Literature: See “A Printmaker In Paradise”, number 36.
Signature: “Charles W Bartlett”, in red-brown pencil, lower left

SKU: CWB014