- Ume (Plum Tree) -

The beautiful woodblock print 'Ume' (Plum Tree) is by Chizuko Yoshida (1924–2017). This large print depicts a small nightingale on a branch of a fully blossomed plum tree. The exquisite combination of intricate flowers and gentle gradation is remarkable. The Japanese title, artist's signature, and artist's red seal are in the lower right corner of the image. It is signed by the artist in pencil on the bottom margin. Chizuko Yoshida was born in 1924 in Kanagawa Prefecture. Her husband was Hodaka Yoshida, the second son of Hiroshi Yoshida. After studying woodblock printing under Hodaka and Fumio Kitaoka, she created beautiful works featuring stars, butterflies, and flowers using a technique that involves not only woodblock printing but also the combination of woodblock and zinc plate printing. She is a popular female artist. Technique: WoodblockPaper size: 16 x 20 and 1/4 inches (40.5 x 51.5 cm)Image size: 13 x 17 and 1/4 inches (33 x 44 cm)Sheet number: N/A Date: 1985Signed: Pencil-sig