Japanese Woodblock Botanical Print of Three Dstinct Varieties of Dahlia by Tanigami Kōnon

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Description

Dahlia Splendor: Japanese Woodblock Botanical Print by Tanigami Kōnon
Showa 14 (May 1939)

This striking woodblock print serves as a … Read more Dahlia Splendor: Japanese Woodblock Botanical Print by Tanigami Kōnon
Showa 14 (May 1939)

This striking woodblock print serves as a sophisticated botanical study of three distinct varieties of Dahlia (Dariya). The composition is balanced yet dynamic, showcasing the artist's ability to capture the diverse textures and geometries of the floral world.

The print features a trio of large, fully bloomed dahlias: a deep pompon-style bloom in maroon, a dramatic cactus-style bloom in vibrant orange, and a classic decorative-style bloom in pale lemon yellow. The serrated, deep-green leaves are rendered with meticulous detail, providing a lush backdrop for the saturated colors of the petals.

Technical Details:

Subject: Dahlia (ダリヤ).

Artist Signature: Signed at the right with the calligraphy Kōnon (恒男) and the artist's red square seal.

Inscriptions: The right margin bears the date 昭和十四年五月の作 (Work of May, Showa 14/1939) and the Takenaka studio's copyright mark 版権所有 竹笹 (Copyright owned by Takezasa). The left margin identifies the flower in katakana as ダリヤ (Dahlia).

Measurements (Framed):
Width: 17 3/4 inches (45.1 cm)
Height: 22 inches (55.9 cm)
Depth: 3/4 inch (1.9 cm)

Historical Context: The Dahlia in Japanese Printmaking

While many traditional Japanese prints focus on native species like the cherry blossom or plum, the late Meiji and early Showa periods saw a fascination with "Western" flowers. The Dahlia, originally from Mexico, was introduced to Japan in the 19th century and became a symbol of modern, cosmopolitan taste.

Tanigami Kōnon (1858–1936) was a key figure in documenting these imported varieties. His work represents a transition point in Japanese art, where the ancient techniques of woodblock printing were applied to modern botanical subjects with almost scientific precision. The Takenaka Mokuhan studio, which produced this 1939 edition, was famous for its "wet-looking" ink quality and the use of over 20 separate blocks to achieve the subtle color gradations seen in the petals of the orange and yellow dahlias.

The identical framing—featuring a deep green "malachite" marbled finish and gold-lined inner molding—confirms that these two prints were intended as a matched set for a high-end interior.

(Ref: VM98812) See less