Inuzuka Taisui, active ca. 1920s

Peonies

signed Taisui with artist's seal, the Japanese title, Hagiku in kanji at the center of the bottom margin, publisher Sakai-Kawaguchi Tohan (joint publication) on the bottom margin with stylized chrysanthemum and river seal, carver and printer seal at left, horiko Maeda, suriko Komatsu (block-cutter Maeda [Kentaro] and printer Komatsu [Wasakichi]), dated at right, Showa yonnen nanagatsu saku (made in Showa 4 [1929], seventh month), stamped in English on verso, KAWAGUCHI, ca. 1929

oban tate-e 16 by 10 3/4 in., 40.6 by 27.3 cm

Sakai and Kawaguchi published high-quality prints by major shin-hanga artists such as Kawase Hasui (1883-1957), Ohara Koson (1877-1945), and Torii Kotondo (1900-1976). Their joint-venture was short-lived, from 1929 until 1931. After the partnership was dissolved, Kawaguchi continued to produce the same prints as well as new works by these artists. The later editions were sealed by Kawaguchi alone. This print bears the early Sakai-Kawaguchi seal.

The Japanese title at the center of the bottom margin appears to be in error. Hagiku, (lit. leaf chrysanthemum), refers to varieties of broad-leaf chrysanthemums of the family asteraceae that resemble asters. However, the blossoms in this vase are almost certainly meant to be peonies (botan), which is the title by which this print is commonly known.

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