- Some-ya, Zoku Showa Shokugyō E-zukushi (Dyer, Continuing Depictions of Occupations in Showa Era) -

This remarkable woodblock print, “Some-ya,” from the series Zoku Showa Shokugyō E-zukushi (Continuing Depictions of Occupations in the Showa Era), is by Sanzō Wada (1883–1967). It portrays a family-run dyeing workshop in the Showa period, with craftsmen diligently at work while the owner’s family and grandchild remain nearby, offering an intimate glimpse into everyday life and traditional labor in mid-20th-century Japan.

The Japanese title "Showa Shokugyō E-zukushi" appears in the left margin, along with the date “Shōwa 31 nen 3 gatsu” (March 1956), the publisher’s name "Kyōto Hanga-in", the carver "Shibamura", and the printer "Itō". The subtitle “Some-ya” (Dyer) is in the upper right corner of the image. The artist’s hand signature and red seal are located in the lower left corner, and the publisher’s watermark appears in the bottom margin.

This print was part of the publisher’s archive. It does not have a limited edition number, but has been carefully preserved by the publisher since 1956 and remains in excellent condition.

Sanzō Wada was a painter, printmaker, and leading color theorist who studied under Seiki Kuroda. His work spans painting, printmaking, and design, including his Academy Award–winning costume and color design for the film Gate of Hell (1953).

Technique: Woodblock
Paper size: 17 inches x 14 and 1/4 inches (43 x 36 cm)
Image size: 14 and 1/2 inches x 11 inches (37 x 28 cm)
Sheet number: N/A
Date: Showa 31 nen 3 gatsu (March 1956)
Signed: Pencil signed by the artist on the bottom margin.
Condition: In excellent condition for its age. 
*The handmade paper may contain bark bits or other natural impurities. 

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