22/01/2026
From my personal collection of Japanese art.
"Maiko at Kiyomizu Temple" [in Kyōto], a post-World War II, ca. 1950s, ōban tate-e (vertical ōban) design by Hasegawa Sadanobu III (三代 長谷川貞信, 1881-1963) a.k.a. Konobu III (三代 小信) of the Hasegawa school of art in Osaka.
Sheet size (h x w) 14 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches.
Publisher: Uchida Bijutsu Shoten (内田美術書店)
Hasegawa Sadanobu III (三代 長谷川 貞信 (Sandai Hasegawa Sadanobu); 1881-1963) was a prominent Japanese woodblock print artist and the third generation in a distinguished family of printmakers from Osaka. He worked in the shin-hanga (new prints) style, known for combining traditional ukiyo-e principles with modern aesthetics.
Born as Hasegawa Nobutarō (長谷川 信太郎) in Osaka, Sadanobu III studied under his father, Hasegawa Sadanobu II (二代 長谷川貞信; 1848–1940), and other masters, becoming part of the Osaka School of artists. He was also known by the gō (art name) Konobu III (三代 小信, Sandai Konobu).
Most of his extensive work was produced after World War II, largely in collaboration with the Uchida publishing company in Kyōto. His art was highly sought after internationally, especially in the United States, where it helped present an idealised image of Japan to a new influx of foreigners and collectors.
Sadanobu III's style is characterised by a refined elegance, bold colours, and strong outlines, blending traditional Japanese techniques with modern influences. His craftsmanship often included decorative elements like embossing and metallic pigments.
His work focused on traditional ukiyo-e subjects, including:
1. Kabuki and Bunraku theatre. He specialised in prints related to traditional Japanese theatre, including a series depicting kumadori (stylised makeup) and another of puppets from the Osaka Bunrakuza.
2. Bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) He was well known for his depictions of maiko (apprentice geishas) from Kyoto, like the one shown here.
3. Historical and genre scenes. His repertoire also included scenes from Japan's medieval history and everyday life.
His prints are held in museum collections worldwide.
He was succeeded by his son, Hasegawa Sadanobu IV (四代 長谷川貞信; 1914–1999), who continued the family's artistic legacy.
J in 日本