The 55- prints set was published by Tokyo Shogei-kan 東京書芸館 .
The carver was Maeda Kentaro (前田 謙太郎 c. 1891-1987) [https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG3575].
It is worth noticing that Kentaro was the favourite carver with whom Kawase Hasui worked along the years. In fact Kentaro, although most probably unknown right now in Western art collectors world, was famous at the time for his skill and precision and was demanded by all big names like Paul Jacoulet, Toshi Yoshida and others.
Kentaro died in 1987 and the set was published in 1982, probably produced 1 or 2 years before. Impressive attention to detail, splendid colors, carefully printed bokashi
The printer was Tadao Fuji 藤忠雄. The prints were made in a limited edition of 30 sets. As the leaflet presentation notes, it was created to be sold at an exposition. The text of the leaflet is here:
" 江戸芸術よみがえる 複刻版 浮世绘版画秀作展
Revival of Edo Art Reprint Masterpieces of Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints
February 4-9, 1983 7th floor art gallery, Fukuya Hachobori
Exibitions:
Utamaro: Complete collection of woodblock prints (28 prints) Hokusai: Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (46 prints) Hiroshige: The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Road (55 prints) Sharaku: Complete collection of actor portraits (28 prints)
Prices:
Utamaro woodblock print collection: 336,000 yen Hokusai Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji collection: 506,000 yen Hiroshige Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Road collection: 560,000 yen Sharaku actor portrait collection: 420,000 yen Selection of six ukiyo-e masterpieces: 150,000 yen
This exhibition will feature a selection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints from the Edo period, including works by some of the most famous artists of the time, such as Utamaro, Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Sharaku. The prints have been reproduced using traditional methods, and will be available for purchase.
This set of prints has been carefully crafted using the same traditional methods that were used to create the original Hoeido edition. The carver, Mr. Maeda Ken'taro, has painstakingly carved a series of wooden blocks for each print, and the printer, Mr. Fujita Tadao, has used traditional printing techniques to apply the ink and create the final images.
This is a genuine ukiyo-e print, not a mass-produced reproduction. Each print has been individually printed on high-quality Echizen washi paper by a team of 10 modern masters, including carver Mr. Maeda Ken'taro and printer Mr. Fujita Tadao.
手作りのため今回は30組のみの限定頒布となります。Due to the handmade nature of these prints, only 30 sets are available for purchase. "
Actual print size: 33 x 22 cm Mount size: 40 x 27 cm Whole wood box 45 x 31 x 13 cm
Condition: the print are impeccable, no foxing, no worming, no creases. Slight yellowish toning of the mounting folders due to age. The wood box is damaged, almost falling apart
Shipping insured and express by DPD/UPS/FedEx, reaching anywhere in Europe and US in 3-6 days. Enjoy this rare set!
