Kishio Koizumi: Spring View of Prince Arisugawa Memorial Park in Azabu (SOLD)

Artist: Kishio Koizumi (1893-1945)
Title: Prince Arisugawa Memorial Park in Azabu   Date: 1935

Here we see what look to be Japanese cranes wading in the shadows against verdant green grasses and aquatic plants. Uniquely-patterned tree branches float above the pond and are reflected on the surface of the water. The reddish trees must be full of pink flowers, as the bright green feeling is that of spring (indeed, the work is dated the fifth month, which would be May). In the background rise pine trees with their distinctive shapes. His Highness Takamatsu-no-miya donated this site to the Tokyo metropolitan authorities for it to be opened as a public park in 1934. This is therefore an early view of this beautiful park. 

Koizumi Kishio self-published 100 designs in this very interesting series, although it took nine years to complete after the first work was published in 1928.  In general the designs are very strong, and have a fresh perspective that is distinctive to this series. These works were sold by subscription club, which the artist declared to be limited to 50 members. Scarce. Right margin bears title, with date and number of this design (62) in pencil. Koizumi was guided by Tobari Kogan, and was one of only two sosaku-hanga artists (the other being Hiratsuka Un-ichi) to have received extensive training in block carving from professional block-carvers.

SKU: KZK010