About This Print
This abstract small print was included in the second of two portfolios of twelve prints each published by Hanga kanshōkai, titled Hanga kanshōkai sakuhin-shū.
For other prints in this portfolio see Lake Haruna in Autumn by Maekawa Senpan (1888-1960) and Moulin de la Galette (Paris) by Sekino Jun’ichirō (1914-1988).
Hanga Kanshōkai Sakuhin-shū
(Collection of Works by the Woodblock Print Appreciation Society)
From what I can deduce from available information, this two volume portfolio consisting of twenty-four small format prints by fifteen artists was published by the Yokohama publisher Chikuhōdō [竹芳洞 or 竹芳堂], under the name Hanga kanshōkai (Woodblock Print Appreciation Society), in 1959 or 1960 and re-issued at least once in 1980.* The two-volume portfolio was originally issued in a limited edition of 700 copies for volume 1 and 500 copies for volume 2. Each print was tipped-in to a mat measuring 14 1/2 x 11 1/8 in. (36.8 x 28.3 cm). The prints along with a table of contents were placed in a brown paper envelope, as shown below. It appears that some of the prints in the two portfolios were re-issues of earlier designs.* the portfolios shown or referenced on line are variously dated 1958 by Saru Gallery, c. 1960 by Scholten Japanese Art, 昭和50年頃（c. 1975) by Yamada-Shoten and 昭和55 (1980) by the Japanese Association of Antique Book Dealers Natsume Books and the Aomori Museum.
Sources: Yamada-Shoten http://www.yamada-shoten.com/onlinestore/detail.php?item_id=48617 and
click on image to enlarge
1. Onsen by Maekawa Senpan (1888-1960)
2. Shirasagi Castle by Hashimoto Okiie (1899-1993)
3. Autumn leaves by Mizufune Rokushu (1912-1980)
4. Nasu in spring by Mabuchi Toru (1920-1994)
5. Child of the flowers by Takei Takeo (1894-1983)
6. Oku-nikko by Maeda Masao (1904-1974)
7. Suichuka-Artificial flower in the water by Seimiya Hitoshi (1886-1969)
8. Yamagata Daikoku Dance by Miyao Shigeo (1902-1983)
9. Toys by Hatsuyama Shigeru (1897-1973)
10. Pigeon in Florence by Sekino Junichiro (1914-1988)
11. Red face by Azechi Umetaro (1902-1999)
12. Kitten by Inagaki Tomoo (1902-1980)
2. Shirasagi Castle by Hashimoto Okiie (1899-1993)
3. Autumn leaves by Mizufune Rokushu (1912-1980)
4. Nasu in spring by Mabuchi Toru (1920-1994)
5. Child of the flowers by Takei Takeo (1894-1983)
6. Oku-nikko by Maeda Masao (1904-1974)
7. Suichuka-Artificial flower in the water by Seimiya Hitoshi (1886-1969)
8. Yamagata Daikoku Dance by Miyao Shigeo (1902-1983)
9. Toys by Hatsuyama Shigeru (1897-1973)
10. Pigeon in Florence by Sekino Junichiro (1914-1988)
11. Red face by Azechi Umetaro (1902-1999)
12. Kitten by Inagaki Tomoo (1902-1980)
Prints included in Volume 2:
Sources: Yamada-Shoten http://www.yamada-shoten.com/onlinestore/detail.php?item_id=48617 and Scholten Japanese Art https://www.scholten-japanese-art.com/printsH.php?printID=2078
click on image to enlarge
1. Photography Studio (18.7 x 14 cm), by Kawakami Sumio (1895-1972)
2. Crystal (17.7 x 13.4 cm), by Maeda Masao (1904-1974)
3. Autumn at Lake Haruno (13.3 x 15.2 cm), by Maekawa Senpan (1888-1960)
4. Castle in Autumn (Matsue Castle) (17.5 x 12.7 cm), by Hashimoto Okie (1899-1993)
5. Somon (22.6 x 14.2 cm), by Yamaguchi Gen (1896-1976)
6. Stone Fish (21.8 x 14.7 cm), by Mizufune Rokushu (1912-1980)
7. Interior Still Life (21.2 x 13.1 cm), by Kawanishi Hide (1894-1965)
8. Haniwa (19 x 14.3 cm), by Mabuchi Toru (1920-1994)
9. Flower and Bird (12.6 x 17.2 cm), by Takei Takeo (1894-1983)
10. Poppies (14.2 x 17.7 cm), by Inagaki Tomoo (1902-1980)
11. The Observing Eye (23.8 x 18.2 cm), by Azechi Umetaro (1902-1999)
12. Moulin de la Galette, Paris (22.6 x 14.7 cm), by Sekino Jun'ichiro (1914-1988)
2. Crystal (17.7 x 13.4 cm), by Maeda Masao (1904-1974)
3. Autumn at Lake Haruno (13.3 x 15.2 cm), by Maekawa Senpan (1888-1960)
4. Castle in Autumn (Matsue Castle) (17.5 x 12.7 cm), by Hashimoto Okie (1899-1993)
5. Somon (22.6 x 14.2 cm), by Yamaguchi Gen (1896-1976)
6. Stone Fish (21.8 x 14.7 cm), by Mizufune Rokushu (1912-1980)
7. Interior Still Life (21.2 x 13.1 cm), by Kawanishi Hide (1894-1965)
8. Haniwa (19 x 14.3 cm), by Mabuchi Toru (1920-1994)
9. Flower and Bird (12.6 x 17.2 cm), by Takei Takeo (1894-1983)
10. Poppies (14.2 x 17.7 cm), by Inagaki Tomoo (1902-1980)
11. The Observing Eye (23.8 x 18.2 cm), by Azechi Umetaro (1902-1999)
12. Moulin de la Galette, Paris (22.6 x 14.7 cm), by Sekino Jun'ichiro (1914-1988)
版画鑑賞会作品集
portfolio covers for volumes 1 and 2 original edition
index for volume 2 original edition
版画鑑賞
Portfolio covers for 1980 edition
click on image to enlarge
Print Details
| IHL Catalog | #1723 |
| Title/Description | 相聞 sōmon |
| Series | Collection of Works by the Woodblock Print Appreciation Society: Volume 2 版画鑑賞会作品集 全2冊 Hanga Kanshōkai Sakuhin-shū, ni |
| Artist | Yamaguchi Gen (1896-1976) |
| Signature | not signed |
| Seal | artist's "G" seal  |
| Publication Date | originally 1959/1960 (this print likely from the 1980 edition) |
| Publisher | Hanga Kanshōkai 版画鑑賞会 竹芳洞 |
| Printer | likely printed by Chikuhōdo 竹芳洞 |
| Impression | excellent |
| Colors | excellent |
| Condition | excellent |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Genre | sosaku hanga (creative prints) |
| Format | |
| H x W Paper | 8 3/4 x 5 1/2 in. (22.2 x 14 cm ) |
| H x W Image | 8 3/8 x 5 in. (21.3 x 12.7 cm) |
| Collections This Print |
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