Sakamoto Hanjiro: Nangodani Crater Floor First Edition 南郷谷 First Edition

Artist: Sakamoto Hanjiro (1882-1959)
Title: Nangodani First Edition 南郷谷

Series: Five Views of Aso (Aso gokei 阿蘇五景)
Date: 1948 or 1950

The Crater Floor at Nangô. Otherworldly view of a crater floor, perhaps that of Mount Aso itself. Surrounding the crater is its jagged rim, yet gentle slopes rise up to the left. A flock of birds rises in the sky, giving life to the moonlike scene. The soft palette chosen by the artist is hauntingly beautiful. Mount Aso is an active volcano in the center of Kyushu, which most recently erupted in 2021. It’s ancient caldera is among the largest in the world, with a diameter up to 25 kilometers.

Although Sakamoto was primarily known as an oil painter, Merritt notes that “although Sakamoto’s painting style was highly simplified, he sought even further simplification through woodblocks.” (page 100 of Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: The Early Years). 

According to Merritt, this series was first published in a limited edition of 300 in 1950 by Kuga Isao of Sōjinsha, with carving and printing at Katō Hanga Kenkyūsho under the supervision of Katō Junji. This work comes from that first edition. Merrit goes on to state that the series underwent a number of subsequent printings until 1971. This work is from the first edition, as it came with the envelope print that features two horses grazing, as known for the first edition, printed either in 1948 or 1950. (The cover print of horses is shown for reference and is not included with this print.)

Sakamoto Hanjirô met the pioneering sosaku artists Yamamoto Kanae and Ishii Tsuruzô at the beginning of his career, and subsequently he worked with them on Hôsun magazine from 1909-1911. Also in 1911 he published a collection of woodblock prints together with Yamamoto Kanae (Sōga Butai Sugata), and in 1918 he contributed five designs to Nihon fûkei hanga - Japan scenery prints. In recognition of his highly respected western-style oil paintings, he was awarded the the Order of cultural merit in 1956. 

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition.
Dimensions: oban (28.7 x 40.2 cm)
Seal: Sakamoto   Publisher: Kato Junji

References: Merritt and Yamada (1992) “Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975”, page 130. Merritt (1990)  “Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: The Early Years”, page 100.

SKU: HNJ013