Okiie Hashimoto Japanese (1899-1993) rock garden, 1959 woodblock print Pencil signed and dated lower right. Artist's proof with red chop mark. Biography from Artelino.com: Okiie Hashimoto was born on October 4, 1899 and passed away on August 18, 1993. He studied art and painting for four years at the College of Art in Tokyo and graduated in 1923. After graduation, he continued his studies under Itaru Tanabe and Shodo Hirata. His artistic style emerged decisively after having met the renowned woodcut artist Unichi Hiratsuka. Hashimoto attended Hiratsuka's courses and was later accepted into his circle of artists, the Yoyogi-ha. Through this group, he developed a lifelong friendship with Hiratsuka. Artist's Career The artistic career of Okiie Hashimoto started relatively late because he taught art full-time at a middle school from 1925 onwards. Therefore, he could only take on secondary art jobs. Later, he received a position as an assistant to the head of the school at a renowned girls' college in Tokyo, where he stayed until 1955. Afterward, he decided to dedicate himself exclusively to being an artist. Woodcuts under the Influence of Unichi Hiratsuka There is little known about the paintings of Okiie Hashimoto. He achieved much more international fame for his woodcuts, to which he dedicated himself since having met Unichi Hiratsuka. Although his teacher and friend limited himself to black and white woodcuts, Okiie Hashimoto on the contrary seized powerful, bright and pure colors for his works. Old Japan in Hashimoto's Work Like Unichi Hiratsuka, Okiie Hashimoto also cherished old Japan a great deal. Historical buildings in the traditional Japanese style - whether castles, gardens, temples, or homes - are predominant in his woodcut prints. But also the beauty of nature and the splendid landscape of Japan, found today only in a few untouched regions, attracted the interest of the artist. The presentation of people, especially young women, appeared first in Hashimoto's late period. He used the old traditional Japanese stamp with the name "Oki" and "Hashi" for his signature. 17 1/2"H x 22"W (sight), 24 7/8"H x 29 1/8"W (frame)