Koitsu Tsuchiya

Koitsu Tsuchiya, born September 23, 1870 in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, was an outstanding Japanese woodblock print artist known for his striking landscape depictions. Originally born Sahei Kōichi, he began his artistic career at the age of 15 when he moved to Tokyo to study under the renowned ukiyo-e artist Kiyochika Kobayashi. This training significantly shaped his style, particularly his ability to masterfully depict light and shadow.

Koitsu initially worked as a lithographer and printer before devoting himself entirely to the art of woodblock printing. His career took a significant boost in 1931 when he began working with publisher Shōzaburō Watanabe, one of the leading promoters of the Shin-Hanga movement. This movement aimed to renew and popularize traditional Japanese woodblock printing with Western influences. Koitsu's works from this period are characterized by their rich detail and subtle use of color, creating a calm, almost meditative atmosphere.

A hallmark of Koitsu's art is his ability to capture the essence of a place, whether it be a busy Tokyo street scene or a tranquil seaside landscape. His prints are known for their technical precision and aesthetic beauty, transporting the viewer to another world. Koitsu was a master at capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life and giving them a timeless quality.