$500–$5,000. Common mountain prints: $500–$1,500. Key value factors: Azechi's cheerful mountain prints have consistent demand. Larger and more complex compositions are most valued.
Bulls Fighting—the traditional sport of bull fighting (togyu) practiced in parts of rural Japan, particularly in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku where Azechi was born—brings his most regional subject matter to the fore. The togyu of his home prefecture involved two bulls wrestling against each other rather than a bull and a human opponent, the contest a test of bovine strength and will. His bold, simplified rendering of the two heavy animals locked in struggle would have given the composition a dense, powerful mass of opposed force.
1944 (printed c. 1950 from recut block?)
Color woodblock print; oban
1944 (printed c. 1950 from recut block?)
Color woodblock print; oban
1945
Color woodblock print
1961
Color woodblock print; edition 10/100
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Bulls Fighting was created by Umetaro Azechi (畦地梅太郎).
Bulls Fighting depicts daily life, animals, and village scenes.
