Shin Hanga Print Appraisal

Framed Japanese Shin-hanga Style Woodblock Print

This item is a vertically oriented landscape print, likely a woodblock (moku-hanga), executed in the Shin-hanga style which flourished in early 20th-century Japan. The composition depicts a serene scene featuring a traditional Japanese bridge or structure over a body of water, flanked by lush green hills and a prominent blossoming cherry tree in the foreground. The color palette is rich with mossy greens, soft blues, and the stark white of the cherry blossoms, utilizing gradient shading (bokashi) particularly in the sky and water to suggest depth and atmospheric light. The artwork is presented within a multi-layered framing system: it features a neutral off-white or light gray primary mat, a dark inner accent mat that coordinates with the frame, and is housed in a simple rectangular wood or metal frame with a dark finish. The construction demonstrates high-quality printmaking, characterized by crisp registration between color blocks and fine detail in the stone masonry and floral elements. While specific artist signatures or seals are not clearly legible due to the photo quality and glass reflection, the aesthetic strongly suggests the work of masters like Kawase Hasui or Hiroshi Yoshida from the Meiji or Taisho periods. There are no obvious signs of foxing, staining, or UV fading visible, though some reflection from the glazing is present. The overall condition appears excellent, preserved behind glass with professional archival-style mounting.