"Spinning Wheel" "Yumeji Masterpiece Collection" Kato Print Institute Takehisa Yumeji woodblock print

Itoguruma (Spinning Wheel) represents a pivotal moment in Japanese modernism through the visionary work of Takehisa Yumeji (1884–1934), the preeminent artist of the Taishō era. Originally conceived in 1920 as cover illustration for composer Kiyomi Fujii's musical composition and published by Senow Ongaku Shuppansha, this print seamlessly integrates visual artistry with musical expression. Yumeji's distinctive draftsmanship and poetic sensibility are evident throughout the composition. This posthumous edition, produced by the esteemed Katō Print Institute in Tokyo, faithfully preserves the artist's original vision for new generations. Measuring 34.3 cm × 24.7 cm, this work stands as an essential artifact of early 20th-century Japanese design and printmaking heritage.