Shin Hanga Appraisal

A Lakeside Inn Under Moonlight (Lakeside Inn) by Koho G.

This item is a framed Japanese woodblock print, specifically a Shin-hanga style work titled 'A Lakeside Inn Under Moonlight' or 'Lakeside Inn' by Koho G. The print depicts a serene nocturnal scene with a traditional Japanese inn or structure built over the water, possibly on stilts, illuminated by a full moon. Mountains shrouded in mist or haze form the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The color palette predominantly features deep blues and grays, transitioning to lighter blues and whites for the moonlight and mist, with darker tones for the buildings and foreground elements. Two small boats are visible on the calm water, one closer to the inn and another further out. The print includes Japanese characters, likely the artist's signature and title, positioned vertically on the left side of the image. The print itself appears well-preserved, showcasing the fine details and subtle color gradations characteristic of Japanese woodblock printing. It is matted with a clean, off-white mat board and housed within a dark brown, possibly wooden, frame with a slightly rounded profile. The frame exhibits minor wear consistent with handling and age, though no significant damage like cracks or chips is apparent. The glass covering the print is clear, though some reflections are visible due to the photograph's lighting. The overall presentation suggests a piece created in the early to mid-20th century, a prominent period for Shin-hanga prints, which emphasized traditional Japanese subjects with Western artistic influences.