Toshi Yoshida: Shirasagi [Himeji] Castle

Artist: Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995)
Title:  Shirasagi Castle  Date: 1942

The iconic Himeji Castle is glimpsed atop Himeyama hill from our vantage point on a distant hill, our view framed by curving pines. The castle is also known as Shirasagi-jo, or “White Heron Castle” because of its bright white color and its observed resemblance to a bird taking flight. This fortification dates to 1333, with many changes and additions taking place in the following centuries. It survived both WWII bombing and the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995, and in 1993 it was registered as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. This wartime view is quite interesting, as the artist chose to depict this famous monument as looking rather small from a distance, and almost dwarfed by the beauty of the surrounding nature. We can see the artist's deep sensitivity to color, which reflects his artistic heritage from his father, Hiroshi. Although there are also posthumous editions of this work seen on the market, this one is pencil-signed by the artist, so it is considered a first (lifetime) edition.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Never framed.
Dimensions: chuban (20 x 26.8 cm)
Publisher: Self-published by the artist.
Signature: Toshi Yoshida (in pencil, lower right)

SKU: YTA022