'Daimonji Festival at Niji Bridge d1931 from the Series: Famous Places of Kyoto
This woodblock print depicts a scene from the Oban Festival which occurs every August 16th, in which five giant bonfires are lit on mountains surrounding the city. It signifies the moment when the spirits of deceased family members, who are said to visit this world during Obon, are believed to be returning to the spirit world—thus the name Okuribi (send-off fire). There is a crowd of spectators who have gathered to watch the traditional burning of the “dai” (great) kanji on the slope of Mount Daimonjiu. This occurs annually at the closing ceremony of the Obon festival. Lights reflecting on the village crowd reveal their mostly Japanese attire, hinting  to its period c1930. Despite the telephone poles in the distance, the feeling is of a timeless, pre-industrial Japan. This print, from the series Famous Places of Kyoto, is one of six in the series of shin hanga prints by Yoshimitsu. His style is refreshing. He did not paint out the electric poles, which many artists did as they considered them unsightly. Yoshimitsu painted what he saw. This is a busy scene, full of color and very well executed. This print bears Yoshimitsu's signature and seals, along with the publisher's seal for Sato Shotaro. This popular print was first introduced in 1930. This is a second edition print and dates to 1931. This print is in excellent original condition. This woodblock is in acid-free environs. The print sight size with full margins is 10" x 15.5", and the simple black frame measures 13" x 19". I apologize for any glare in the photos. This print presents quite handsomely.          P75319                        $595.00