Sailing Boats: Mist (Hanchu) by Hiroshi Yoshida

This is a framed woodblock print (Shin-hanga style) by the renowned Japanese artist Hiroshi Yoshida, originally titled 'Sailing Boats: Mist' (Hanchu) from his 1926 Inland Sea series. The piece depicts a traditional Japanese junk boat with high sails reflected in calm, misty waters, rendered in a palette of muted grays, yellows, and atmospheric neutrals. The construction demonstrates the master-level craftsmanship of Yoshida’s studio, utilizing delicate color gradations (bokashi) to achieve a luminous, foggy effect. Notable features include vertical Japanese calligraphy (kanji) and markings in the lower-left margin, likely including the jishi (self-printed) seal or title, and another signature/seal in the lower right corner common for this specific series. The print appears to be housed in a simple rectangular wood frame under glass. Regarding condition, there is several visible areas of concern: the paper shows noticeable browning or foxing consistent with age, and a significant light-colored horizontal streak or scuff mark is visible across the middle, potentially indicating moisture damage or surface abrasion. This piece exemplifies the early 20th-century Shin-hanga movement, blending traditional ukiyo-e techniques with Western-influenced atmospheric realism.