Ito Takashi: Lake Shibayamagata, Kaga 加賀国柴山潟 (First Edition) (SOLD)

Artist: Itō Takashi 伊藤孝之 (1894-1982)

Title: Lake Shigayamagata, Kaga 加賀国柴山潟   Date: 1929

A lone figure bundled in straw outwear hauls a wooden sled along the shoreline of Laka Shibayamagata. The small red temple may be the Ukiuki Benten temple, which looks quite different today. This design presents an interesting array of textures and printing techniques, showcasing the impressive skills of Watanabe’s printers of the prewar period.  In the distance we see the snow-covered Hakusan mountain range. Lake Shibayama connects to the Sea of Japan in the  onsen town in Kaga, Ishikawa prefecture. Today, much of the shoreline has been transformed, with the natural scenery ceded to modern buildings. It is still a beautiful lake with a view of snow-covered mountains, but today there is a fountain in the middle of the lake and fireworks in the summer to draw tourists. One does not often find Takashi’s Watanabe-published works in their prewar (first)  edition, as here. The Watanabe seal in the right margin was in use between 1928 and 1932.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Slight areas of minor foxing near margin. Dimensions: ôban 26 x 38.8 cm
Publisher: Watanabe Shôzaburô
Signature: Takashi

SKU: TKS015