Details

Kanae Yamamoto (1882–1946) was a pivotal figure in the development of the modern Japanese woodblock print, particularly within the Sosaku Hanga movement. Initially trained in traditional ukiyo-e techniques, Yamamoto’s career took a transformative turn after his travels to Europe in the early 1900s. Immersed in the artistic advancements of the West, he was deeply influenced by the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements, as well as the evolving concept of the artist's personal expression. Upon his return to Japan, Yamamoto fused these Western artistic ideals with his traditional craft, breaking away from the rigid conventions of woodblock printing. His work championed the notion that the artist should be fully involved in every step of the process—design, carving, and printing—an ethos that became a cornerstone of the Sosaku Hanga movement. Through his innovation and dedication, Yamamoto helped sustain and popularize this new artistic direction, leaving a lasting impact on the world of Japanese printmaking.

Created in 1919, after Kanae Yamamoto’s return from his travels in Europe, this oil on panel painting captures the countryside of Brittany, a region in France that left a lasting impression on the artist. The painting reflects Yamamoto’s evolving artistic vision, blending the influences of his European experiences with his Japanese sensibilities. The composition features a series of modest, rustic buildings set against a gently rolling landscape, with figures strolling through the open fields. The vibrant, yet muted color palette of browns, greens, and grays demonstrates Yamamoto’s mastery of light and shadow, akin to the works of European Impressionists he encountered. The presence of figures walking leisurely through the countryside evokes a serene, almost nostalgic atmosphere, drawing parallels to the quiet moments often seen in the landscapes of artists like Monet. The brushwork, while still capturing the natural world with precision, reflects a greater looseness and fluidity than his earlier works. This painting marks a significant moment in Yamamoto's career, representing a synthesis of Western artistic influences and his own evolving approach to Japanese landscape painting. It serves as a testament to his ability to adapt European techniques while preserving his unique style, bridging two worlds in a way that continued to shape the Sosaku Hanga movement.

Connoisseur's Note

This painting was produced after Kanae Yamamoto returned to Japan from his time in Europe.

Signed in the front at the lower left and singed and titled on the reverse this work holds a unique historical context, tying it directly to the artist’s European experiences and his immersion in Western artistic movements. The painting is in an exceptionally excellent state of preservation, making it an ideal acquisition for an institution or a discerning collector of fine Sosaku Hanga.