Evening glow at Sakawa bridge by Shotei Pre-Earthquake

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

Woodblock Prints Title: Evening glow at Sakawa bridge

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: Near Mint. very mild toning.

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 moon point in the other direction. See different version below:



The print on the left has Shôtei seal "P" while the one on the right has seal "L". These are, therefore, a pre- and post-earthquake set. Notice how the moon opens up in different directions. In the 1936 Watanabe catalog, on page 52, is a picture of the print on the right. The print on the left is the pre-earthquake version.

This very rare pre-earthquake version bears the # 479 on the back. This number doesn't mean that it was printed by 479 or more. It was the catalogue reference number used by Wanatabe before the earthquake. So if you own a Wanatabe Catalogue printed before 1923, you will find this print at the reference #479. The "new" circa 1936 had different numbers for each print, therefore, #479 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.