Yamamura Kōka (Toyonari): Pelicans

Artist: Yamamura Kōka (Toyonari)
Title: Pelicans
Date: 1926
Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Mint.

Two pelicans pose impressively against a deep grey mica background in their striking white and black plumage. The second bird is preening, while the pelican in front has a very birdlike expression to his eyes.  There is deep embossing in the white feathers. The mica background also features mist-like horizontal lines, an effect that is most unusual in both shin hanga and ukiyo-e. A scarce design that showcases the apogee of woodblock printing that was attained in Japan in the 1920s and 30s. Toyonari was best known for his actor portraits, but here we can appreciate his love of the theatrical.

Dimensions: 27.9 x 39.8 cm
Seal: Toyonari (the red seal on right side corner of the margin)
Signature: Toyonari ga

SKU: TNC010S