Snow at Asakusa by Shotei

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

Woodblock Prints Title: Snow at Asakusa

1st Publication: 1930

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

Date of this edition: 1930's

Publisher: Unknown

Condition: Mild toning, else very fine. Excellent colors, impression and overall condition

Notes: This is the rare variant / second state of the print. 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.

He also used various printer post earthquake, and came out with 2 or 3 of the same or similar designs, sometimes wrongly labelled as fake or plagiarism; although they were simply originals made by Shotei, and published by another publisher than Wanatabe Shozaburo.

We also believe that financial difficulties or exclusive disagreement between Shotei and Wanatabe might be the reason behind these various states.

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.