A Snow Man

Wonderful woodblock print by Mamoru Hiyoshi. From "Korean Customs and people" series. Outstanding colors. Publisher is Kyoto Hanga-in. Carver name Matsuda, Printer name is Ohno and Publisher seal on the lower right margin. This print shows a scene of New Year in Japan. However, this subject is Japanese life by Japanese in Korea in that time. Mother is wearing Monpe (Japanese farm pants). Also she is carrying baby with Kimono jacket which is full of cotton. Children is making Snow man. Girl made a Yuki usagi (snow bunny), she try to show snow bunny to her mother. Two boys are making snow man, their hands are so red. Hanging Japanese flag in entrance. This is very common daily life in Japan.

Hiyoshi lived in Korea before World War II. He was painter and active in mainly Korean painting circle. Therefore a lot of his subjects are based on Korea.
In addition, many Japanese lived in Korea in those days. He produced many prints about Japanese life, manners and customs in Korea as well as Korean manners and customs.

Technique: Woodblock
Paper size: 11 x 16 inches
Image size: 9 and 1/2 x 14 and 1/4 inches
Sheet number: N/A
Date: Ca.1950
Signed: "Mamoru" (Kanji lettering) on the lower left of image
Condition: Excellent condition. Very faint ink smudges on the margins and slightly toned at the edge of paper which will be easily matted out.