Artist: Toshi Yoshida
Medium: Original Japanese Woodblock Print
Series Title: Japan
Edition: First
Date: 1961
Publisher: The Artist - Privately Published
Reference No.: Yoshida Hanga #016101
Size: 11 x 15 "
Condition: Very fine, with superb colors
Notes:
Pencil titled and signed by the artist. A complete set in near mint overall condition.
"Irozaki" is a famous triptych-style woodblock print series created by the artist in 1961. The series is renowned for showing the exact same coastal landscape under three different light conditions: Morning, Day, and Afternoon. Toshi Yoshida carved a single set of woodblocks but changed the ink colors for each printing. This technique captures the shifting atmosphere, color palette, and passage of time over Cape Irozaki, located at the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula. Each print features a dramatic rocky coastline, crashing white waves, small boats in the bay, and a prominent, gnarly pine branch framing the right side of the composition.
The color variation, "Morning" is defined by a soft pink and orange glow in the sky, reflecting a quiet, cool dawn sunrise. "Day" features vibrant blues and greens, showing clear sunlight over the ocean and the lush cliffs. "Afternoon" uses warmer, earthy tones like terracotta, oranges, and deep gold colors to signal the approaching dusk.