Horse Woodblock Print Animal by Shin Kogei

This is a woodblock print horse from the series of animals made by Shin Kogei of Hida-Takayama in Gifu.

Shin Kogei were founded in Hida-Takayama in the snowy north of Gifu prefecture by a local artist, and their shop is a location to visit within the town. Hida-Takayama was an important castle settlement in the Middle Ages, and today has a fine tradition for wood craft.

Shin Kogei use wood to make their printing blocks. Designs are transferred to the woodblocks, before being hand dyed onto natural cotton. Each colour designates a different block used, showing the time spent on each. The animals are filled with natural casks and hand sewn.

It is 11.5cm wide and 12cm high.