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Heritage Auctions' Japanese Print Showcase auction presents a curated selection of Japanese woodblock prints featuring the celebrated Shin-Hanga movement. Highlighting the refined beauty and mastery of early 20th-century printmakers, this sale includes renowned works by artists such as Kawase Hasui, Yoshida Hiroshi,
Tsuchiya Koitsu, and
Paul Jacoulet. Capturing serene landscapes, elegant figures and evocative moods, each print exemplifies the timeless allure and technical brilliance that define the Shin-Hanga genre. Discover the perfect addition to your woodblock print collection.
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Charlene's Picks
Charlene Wang | Acting Director, Asian Art | Business Development
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When East meets West, new inspiration sparks.
This group lot includes a rare work by Lilian Miller, one of the few Western artists (and female!) to truly master the art of Japanese woodblock printing. Born in Japan to an American diplomat's family, Miller was immersed in Japanese culture from an early age and formally trained in traditional Japanese art. I especially admire her bold compositions, as if she were using prints to express her distinctive perspective.
For example, the first print in this group, Drum Tower – Nikko, presents the drum tower of Ieyasu's temple from a low vantage point. A striking tree trunk slices through the composition, while the clear blue sky is rendered in geometric forms—fusing traditional Japanese religious architecture with elements of American modernism. It was in Miller that the visions of Utagawa Hiroshige and Charles Demuth intersected—an impossible encounter, brought to life through her singular vision.
Sadly, Miller passed away young, at just 47, leaving behind a small but remarkable body of work that is rarely seen on the market.
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Yoshida Toshi, the son of the shin-hanga master Yoshida Hiroshi, is sometimes overshadowed by his father's legacy. Yet he is a remarkable artist in his own right.
In this auction, we are pleased to present two group lots by Toshi: Lots 25066 and 25067. Lot 25066 features his earlier works, created between 1937 and 1942, while Lot 25067 includes later prints from 1941 to 1962, which were produced after the passing of his father in 1950.
Raised in a richly artistic environment, Toshi mastered the shin-hanga style with the same technical brilliance as his father, while bringing a distinctive personal touch to his work. Unlike Hiroshi, Toshi frequently incorporated figures, animals, and birds into his compositions, subjects he found just as captivating, if not more so, than landscapes.
Each of these prints is signed in pencil, indicating they are lifetime editions, rather than posthumous impressions with printed signatures—making them highly sought-after.
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Megan's Picks
Megan Ma | Associate Specialist & Department Coordinator, Fine & Decorative Arts
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Kawase Hasui’s works are undeniable highlights of this auction, and this impression of Hōrai Rock, Kiso River is my personal favorite. The vivid, fresh colors and the delicately embossed sail draw the viewer straight into nature, as if standing on the banks of the Kiso River. Featuring Watanabe Shōzaburō’s publisher’s seal (dated between 1924 and 1930), this is a first edition — a rare gem that should not be missed!
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This is one of my favorite pieces in the auction. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant, warm reds of the lantern and temple columns — a striking contrast to the stormy, snow-laden exterior. The scene offers viewers a comforting sense of shelter from the cold. Snow imagery is a beloved theme in shin-hanga prints, as it heightens atmospheric effects and beautifully balances dynamic snowfall with serene architecture. A must-have for any collector.
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We’re thrilled to offer this exquisite set of Paul Jacoulet woodblock prints, from the collection of Lucille Arnold — a journalist who befriended Jacoulet during her time in Japan and remained his lifelong pen pal. This complete set of five Dames Chinoises et Madchoues prints, each with a rich impression and adorned with silver metallic highlights, is exceptionally rare and seldom seen together. An extraordinary addition to your collection!
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Charlene Wang
Acting Director, Asian Art,
Business Development
CharleneW@HA.com
(212) 486-3731
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Megan Ma
Associate Specialist &
Department Coordinator,
Fine & Decorative Arts
MeganM@HA.com
(214) 409-1196
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