Clifton Karhu - Born in Minnesota, Clifton Karhu lived and worked in Japan for more than fifty years, becoming one of the most important western artists working in the medium of traditional Japanese woodblock prints. Karhu served in Japan as a soldier in the U.S. Army, studying at the Minneapolis School of Art before returning to Japan permanently in the early 1950s. Karhu's colorful images of Japan, mostly of Kyoto where he lived, are lively designs celebrating the beauty and wonder of Japan and its ancient culture. His jewel-like colors, bold line work, and lyrical patterns create a vibrant portrait of his adopted country. Karhu exhibited widely, both in Japan and internationally, and his work can be seen in museums such as the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Comments - Terrific modern view of the town of Onomichi in Japan. A traditional building with grid-like shoji panels and a tiled roof stretches across the page, with a large stone lantern at left. An intriguing viewpoint showing the upper portion of the building, as the ground is not seen and the elements are truncated along the lower edge. Beautifully rendered in rich, jewel-like tones of blue, violet, green, and rust, with the bold black outlines of the shoji panels and tiles creating a striking, vertical rhythmic design punctuated by horizontal bands. A classic Karhu subject in an unusually large format.

Signed - In pencil in bottom margin, including title and date
Numbered, Limited Edition - 31/80

Artist - Clifton Karhu (1927 - 2007)

Image Size - 15 1/2" x 24 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Light spotting. Please see photos for details. Good overall.