Shotei Appraisal

Shotei 'Evening Glow on Pagoda and Deep Wood' Japanese Woodblock Print

This item is a Japanese woodblock print by Shotei (Hiroaki Takahashi), titled 'Evening Glow on Pagoda and Deep Wood,' dating from approximately 1930. The print depicts a serene evening landscape featuring a multi-tiered pagoda silhouetted against a fading sky. The sky transitions from a light, clear blue at the top, populated by a flock of birds, to warmer hues of orange and yellow near the horizon, indicative of an evening glow. The pagoda and surrounding trees are rendered in dark, almost black tones, suggesting dusk or twilight. A distinctive feature is a traditional Japanese building with an illuminated, orange-hued roof situated in the lower right portion of the image, possibly a tea house or dwelling, with faint figures discernible nearby. The 'deep wood' aspect is conveyed through dense foliage depicted around the pagoda and in the mid-ground. The print utilizes a limited but effective color palette, emphasizing atmospheric perspective and the contrast between light and shadow. The details are relatively fine, typical of Japanese woodblock print craftsmanship, with distinct lines and color blocks. The print is currently housed within a white mat board frame, indicating it is prepared for display, which covers a small border around the print itself. There are no immediately visible condition issues on the print itself such as tears, significant discoloration, or foxing, although a close-up examination would be required to confirm. The edges of the print appear sharp and well-defined, suggesting good preservation. The overall aesthetic is one of tranquility and natural beauty, characteristic of Shotei's work and the Shin-hanga movement.