'Takagamine Road in Kyoto'
This woodblock depicts a well-traveled road, lined with houses and businesses, and a curious ox in the roadway, with a peasant nearby carrying a load.  This shin hanga print is a classic in the transition to a more modern woodblock design, very pleasing to the eye.  It is signed with Kotozuka's cipher, and the Uchida publisher seals, c1940s.  The print sight size is 16.5" x 11.5", and the frame measures 20.5" x 14.5".  There is a color line on the right side of the print, which is the block color, not mat burn.  This print is in fine condition, the shadows are simply glare from the camera.  Kotozuka attended the Kyoto Specialist School of Painting, and was one of the founders of the Koryokusha, a co-operative publishing company later in life. He is most famous for his landscapes and wildlife prints. P4584