Yamamoto Shōun, Children at Play, 1907, Woodblock Print

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Title: Japanese Woodblock Print of Children at Play – Yamamoto Shōun, Meiji Era c. 1907 : This charming Japanese woodblock … Read more Title: Japanese Woodblock Print of Children at Play – Yamamoto Shōun, Meiji Era c. 1907 : This charming Japanese woodblock print depicts children absorbed in lively play along a riverside setting and was designed by Yamamoto Shōun, one of the most refined artists of the late Meiji period. The scene comes from Shōun’s celebrated series Children’s Play (Kodomo Asobi), produced around 1906–1907, which captures everyday childhood games and seasonal customs in early modern Japan. The composition shows several children engaged in jumping rope and playful interaction, rendered with warmth, humor, and keen observation. Shōun’s mastery lies in his ability to balance narrative detail with elegant restraint. Each figure is individually characterized through gesture, posture, and costume, while the calm river backdrop and distant boats provide a gentle sense of place. The result is a scene that feels both animated and serene, evoking nostalgia and timelessness. Yamamoto Shōun (1870–1965) is best known for his bijin-ga (images of elegant women), but his work in the fuzoku-ga tradition—pictures of customs, manners, and daily life—is equally important. The Kodomo Asobi series is particularly admired for its sensitive portrayal of childhood during the Meiji era, a period marked by rapid modernization and social change. These prints preserve fleeting moments of ordinary life with exceptional charm and documentary value. Printed using the traditional Japanese woodblock technique and delicately hand-colored, the palette remains soft and harmonious, with subtle blues, greys, and warm earth tones. Today, prints from this series are highly sought after for their decorative appeal and cultural significance, making them ideal for both collectors of Japanese art and interior designers seeking refined, narrative wall art. Condition report: Good condition for its age. Light age-related toning and scattered foxing, mostly visible in the margins. Colors remain attractive and well preserved. Framing tips: Best framed with a light, neutral mat and a natural wood or black frame. A simple presentation enhances the calm atmosphere and allows the scene to breathe, working equally well in modern and classic interiors. Technique: Woodblock print Maker: Yamamoto Shōun, Japan, Meiji period, ca. 1906–1907 See less