Urayasu 1951

Toshi Yoshida’s woodblock print, *Urayasu*, shows us a harbor scene with flat, subtly gradated color. Thinking about the process of woodblock printing, the care taken to carve the block for each color and the registration between them, it makes you appreciate the craft involved. Look closely at the water and you can see the individual lines creating the impression of a gentle rippling motion, it’s so delicately done! Then your eye travels to the cluster of boats, the sails, the suggestion of washing drying on the balconies and the whole scene feels both intimate and expansive. There is an interesting dialogue happening between Western Impressionism and Japanese Ukiyo-e traditions here. The light and subject matter is reminiscent of Monet, but there is a distinctly Japanese approach to form. These two traditions were in a state of dynamic tension at the time, each influencing the other. And like all art, *Urayasu* is part of an ongoing conversation.