The earliest prints by the artists Kasamatsu Shiro (1898–1991), Asano Takeji (1900-1999), and Okada Koichi (1907-?) which were published by Unsōdō will always bear their original date of inception as "margin-dating" using Japanese "kanji" characters in the print's lower left margin (as on the left). It should be further understood by the collector that since this date is permanently carved into the print's black "key-block," any additional prints that might be needed with the passing of a few year's time will therefore still bear this "original date of origination." (It is quite likely, however, that the initial production run of typically 100 prints may well have fulfilled the publisher's inventory needs for a number of years.)

However, around 1960, Kasamatsu Shirō began to carve, print and publish his prints entirely by himself and his collaboration with Unsōdō therefore came suddenly to an end. At the same time, both Asano and Okada also ended their association with Unsōdō. At this time (approximately 1960), all existing blocks of these three artist's prints which were in the possession of Unsōdō had their "margin dates" permanently removed--they were simply carved off of the black "key-blocks." Hence, all later reprinted editions of Kasamatsu, Asano and Okada (and probably further artists) do not show any "margin-dating" after about 1960. Therefore, the existence (or lack of) a print's "margin-dating" gives the collector a fairly accurate rough determination at to the era the print was made. For any of these later editions which do not bear "margin-dating," the condition of the paper can give the experienced collector a fairly accurate guide as to the approximate age of a print.

More Information

For a wealth of first hand accounts of Unsōdō see the Ukiyoe Gallery website http://www.ukiyoe-gallery.com/newunsodo.htm and http://www.ukiyoe-gallery.com/unsodohan.htm [accessed 3-14-24]

Unsōdō's own web page is https://www.hanga.co.jp/ [accessed 3-14-24]

"Unsodo is a specialist of Japanese woodblock printing.  From carving, printing, papermaking to binding, Unsodo can offer certain quality handmade woodblock print and book for appreciation."