Posted by Philippe Callier on October 15, 2000 at 06:56:21:
In 1980, a set of prints of the three friends (the pine tree, the bamboo and the plum tree) were sold by subscription by the Franklin Gallery, based in Pennsylvania, USA. The pamphlet calling for orders states that: "Each of the prints that comprise "The Garden of the Three Friends" will be an original work of art. And the artist, Toshi Yoshida, will be deeply involved at every stage of their creation. The carving of the 19 woodblocks from which each print is made. The paper, the colors, the individual preparation of the prints -- all are matters for his personal attention. So is the detailed examination of each woodblock print when it has been completed and pulled." I understand that the prints were commisionned by the Franklin Gallery and designed by Toshi Yoshida. But were the blocks carved in Japan by local carvers, or in the USA ? And where were they printed ? Were they produced using the traditional craft of woodblock prints, or were they produced using an industrial process ? What was the size of the edition ? Any information on this set would be appreciated.