Feature for August, 1998

Woodblock Prints by Goyo


We are offering a selection of masterpiece woodblock prints of Goyo Hashiguchi (1880-1921). Prints introduced here are all original and in good condition. Goyo's original prints are one of the hardest items to find anywhere, because he made only a very few prints during the last couple of years in his life. Nowadays, his work is most highly appreciated among collectors and museums

Goyo Hashiguchi was born in Kagoshima prefecture in 1880. He moved to Tokyo and became a student of famous Japanese painter Gaho Hashimoto. Afterward, he entered the Department of Western Art in Tokyo School of Fine Arts, and graduated in 1905. He was deeply interested in woodblock prints when he was a student. He wrote numerous articles for art publications, compiled a monumental 12 volume work of representative Japanese prints, and supervised the execution of perhaps the finest reproductions ever made of original masterpieces by Hiroshige, Utamaro, etc. He was a pioneer in scientific research and study of old prints and much of his work is accepted to this day.

In 1915 Goyo broght his first original print design. He died in 1921 at age 41 leaving only 8 figure portraits, 4 landscapes, and one wild life study as an immortal contribution to the woodcut form he loved.

His another good work was book binding designs. Soseki Natsume discovered his talent and commits the binding of his most famous novel "WAGAHAI WA NEKO DEARU"("I am a cat") in Goyo's hand.

Goyo's work is uniformly good but he reaches his greatest height in his study. His careful study of the classic heads of Utamaro and graceful types of Harunobu has enabled him to create the first original and entirely pleasing style of Japanese beauty since the time of those masters. He has particularly contributed new and lovely techniques in the rendering of the hair and eyes. The pensive, pure, and sensitive beauty of Goyo's best prints of womanly reach great hights, and his choice of pigments, and use of color exceeds that of any modern artist.

Goyo's name is well known and his work is highly praised among woodblock print collectors in America Many museums are looking for his prints. Since he left only few prints that were made during his last few years before he died, it is extremely difficult to find his print these days.

Prices are quoted at the beginning of the feature month. We reserve the right to change prices at any time. Please note that we do not update this page to reflect availability of items.


Please note that none of these items in this feature are for sale. We placed these pictures so that we could share some of Goyo's with our customers.


To see a larger image of each piece, click on the image.


Woodblock Print
    WoodBlock Print
Woodblock Print
    Screen of cranes
Woodblock Print
    WoodBlock Print
Woodblock Print
    WoodBlock Print
Woodblock Print
    WoodBlock Print
Woodblock Print
    WoodBlock Print

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