Cold Winter Wind by Shotei Pre-Earthquake

Artist: Hiroaki (Shotei) Takahashi (1871-1945)

Woodblock Prints Title: Cold Winter Wind

1st Publication: 1923 or Earlier

Size: 6-1/2 x 14-3/4 + Margins as shown

Date of this edition: Very 1st Edition, Pre earthquake (1923 or earlier)

Publisher: Wanatabe. Kakei Seal

Condition: Mint.

Notes: Shotei created 500 Works or so before the Kanto earthquake that destroyed all the blocks and inventory left. Later on, he re-carved about half of it. The most common version of this print is the 1936's reprint, where the red seal is rectangular and 2" lower in the print.

This is the very rare Pre-earthquake version bearing the # 723 on the back. This number doesn't mean that it was printed by 723 or more. It was the catalog reference number used by Wanatabe before the earthquake. So if you have a Wanatabe Catalog printed before 1923, you will find this print at the reference # 723. The new circa 1936 had different numbers for each print, therefore, # 723 no longer belong to this print. Please note that most of the inventory burned with the earthquake, leaving only a fraction of the quantity.

Pictures: Pictures are taken outdoor, in the shade, to reflect true colors, without any enhancements of any kind. The last picture is taken indoor, with a light behind the print, to reveal the exact paper grain, holes if any, or other possible flaws.