HIROSHI YOSHIDA - El Capitan

THE ARTWORK

"El Capitan" by Hiroshi Yoshida is a stunning woodblock print created in 1925. Yoshida, a master of the shin-hanga ("new prints") movement, is renowned for blending traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques with Western perspectives on light and color.

This piece depicts the iconic granite monolith, El Capitan, located in Yosemite National Park, California. Yoshida captures its monumental scale and natural grandeur by rendering the rock face with intricate shading, offering a sense of depth and texture. The use of muted earth tones contrasts with the vibrant blue sky, reflecting the serene and majestic atmosphere of the scene.

Yoshida’s attention to light and shadow adds a dynamic quality, while his use of subtle gradients and precise lines highlights the interplay between nature's raw power and tranquil beauty. "El Capitan" exemplifies Yoshida's ability to portray both the grandeur of the American landscape and his refined, delicate aesthetic.

THE ARTIST

Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950) stands as a bridge between East and West in the world of 20th-century art. Initially drawn to Western oil painting, he made a pivotal shift in 1920, embracing the traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique. He quickly became a master of the Shin-hanga movement, known for its focus on landscapes and incorporation of Western artistic influences.

Yoshida's true distinction lies in his boundless spirit. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he refused to be confined by the beauty of Japan. A passionate traveler, he embarked on extensive journeys across the globe, capturing the essence of diverse landscapes. The majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps, the awe-inspiring vastness of the Grand Canyon, and the intricate details of the Taj Mahal – all were meticulously rendered through the intricate process of Japanese woodblock printing. This unique fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics earned him international acclaim as a cosmopolitan artist.

His artistic impact goes beyond his captivating prints. He established a renowned printmaking workshop, fostering the talents of skilled carvers and printers who helped bring his vision to life. More importantly, he passed his artistic passion to his sons, Toshi and Hodaka. Both became successful woodblock print artists themselves, solidifying the Yoshida name as a dynasty in the art world.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit