Coleus

One of nine recorded coleus prints by Taisui, this design showcases the ornamental foliage plant known for its vibrantly patterned leaves in combinations of red, green, purple, and cream. Coleus presented a technically demanding subject: each leaf carries distinct edge serration and interior color zoning requiring precise keyblock registration and multiple ink applications. This variant likely isolates two or three leaves against a plain or lightly graduated background, emphasizing the intrinsic pattern over any seasonal or narrative context. Published by the Sakai-Kawaguchi partnership, the print reflects the [shin-hanga](/glossary/shin-hanga) commitment to collaborative craftsmanship — carver, printer, and publisher each contributing to the clarity of botanical form that characterizes Taisui's output.