Unsodo
芸艸堂
About Unsodo
Unsodo (Geisodo, formally written as 芸艸堂) is a Kyoto-based woodblock print publisher founded in 1891 by Yamada Naosaburou. One of the oldest continuously operating print publishers in Japan, Unsodo has published thousands of woodblock prints across more than a century, encompassing traditional designs, shin-hanga landscapes, and decorative art prints.
Based in Kyoto rather than Tokyo, Unsodo developed a distinct publishing identity focused on the cultural heritage of the Kansai region. The publisher worked with numerous artists including Takeji Asano, Tomikichiro Tokuriki, and Kawase Hasui, producing prints that celebrate the temples, shrines, gardens, and seasonal beauty of Kyoto and surrounding areas. Unsodo also published influential design pattern books (moncho) used by textile designers and craftspeople. The company continues to operate today, producing both new prints and authorized reproductions using traditional woodblock techniques.
Artists (3)
Artists who published with Unsodo
Notable Works
An Oharame Girl Carrying Firewood on Her Head
20th century
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
April (Arashiyama Park, a Famous Scenic Resort)
四月 (嵐山)
second half 20th century
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Aso Shrine - Famous, Sacred and Historical Places
Woodblock print
August (The Bonfire Festival of the Daimonji Hill Viewed from the Sanjo Bridge)
八月 (三条大橋より大文字)
second half 20th century
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Bamboo Grove of Saga
嵯峨竹林
1952
Woodblock print
Bull Festival at Koryuji
広隆寺牛祭
Woodblock print
Byodo-in Temple
平等院
Woodblock print
Cherry Blossoms at Maruyama Park
円山公園桜
Woodblock print
Cherry Blossoms at Omuro
Woodblock print
Daigoji Temple
醉醐寺
Woodblock print
Dance of Shimazu
Woodblock print
December (Snow Scene at the Golden Pavilion)
十二月 (金閣寺雪景)
second half 20th century
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Dorokyo Water Gauge
Woodblock print
Drizzling Rain at Nijo Castle
二条城小雨
ca. 1950s
Woodblock print
Drizzling Rain at Nijyo Castle
Woodblock print
February (The Annual Festival of the Fushimi Inari)
二月 (伏見稲荷大社祭)
second half 20th century
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Fireflies at Uji River
Woodblock print
Four Miniature Prints
Woodblock print
Fujimi Bridge - Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji
Woodblock print
Fushimi Dolls
Woodblock print
Fushimi Inari Temple
伏見稲荷
Woodblock print
Gion Festival
Woodblock print
Golden Pavilion
Woodblock print
Great Buddha
大仏
Woodblock print
Showing 24 of 140 prints
Frequently Asked Questions
Unsodo (Geisodo, formally written as 芸艸堂) is a Kyoto-based woodblock print publisher founded in 1891 by Yamada Naosaburou. One of the oldest continuously operating print publishers in Japan, Unsodo has published thousands of woodblock prints across more than a century, encompassing traditional designs, shin-hanga landscapes, and decorative art prints.
Unsodo was active 1891–present (芸艸堂).
Notable artists published by Unsodo include Noël Nouët, Takeji Asano, and Tomikichiro Tokuriki.
Hanga catalogues 140 prints published by Unsodo, spanning the publisher's full active period.
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