Pre-1923 Shotei prints are particularly prized because the Great Kanto Earthquake destroyed original woodblocks along with much of the Watanabe publishing house. Surviving pre-earthquake impressions carry a scarcity premium.
A stone bridge dusted and drifted with snow crosses a river or garden stream, its arch doubled in reflection below the white-laden surface while the branches above hang heavy with accumulated snow. This ca. 1915 print belongs to Shotei's early mature period, when his command of snow composition was already well established. The Japanese bridge form — usually of stone or wood, arching rather than flat — provided a naturally elegant structural element for snow compositions, the clean arch contrasting with the organic profusion of snow-laden branches.
Wakasa Kugushiko
1920
Color woodblock print; oban
Woodblock print
1934
Color woodblock print; oban
n.d.
Woodblock print; ishizuri-e, section of harimaze sheet
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Bridge in snow was created by Takahashi Shotei (高橋松亭) in ca. 1915.
Bridge in snow uses Bokashi, on print.
Bridge in snow was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (ca. 1915).
Bridge in snow depicts landscapes, snow scenes, and bridges.
