Kiyoshi Saito - Kiyoshi Saito was one of the greatest masters of the "sosaku hanga" or "creative print" movement in Japan, which emphasized artist involvement in designing, carving, and printing the blocks himself, as the sole creator of his work. In 1951, Saito earned international recognition with an award at the first Sao Paulo Art Biennal. Saito is known for his use of simplified forms and refined color palettes, emphasizing texture and shape and utilizing the impression of the wood grain. These bold and somewhat abstract modern works are simple and direct, reducing nature to its essentials. Saito exhibited widely and his works are held in the collections of many international museums.

Comments - Lovely portrait of a seated maiko or apprentice geisha, easily identifiable as being from Kyoto by the distinctive tying of her obi, which trails straight down the back. She wears a black kimono trimmed with rich red brown, and the obi features strong wood grain impression in warm ochre and gray. Her face is slightly turned away, exposing her slender neck, and her hair is arranged in a smooth bun with a long lock in back, accented with ribbons and a round red hairpin. The figure is set off by a beautifully textured background in tones of gray. A bold and beautiful design modern design by this sosaku hanga master.

Signed - Kiyoshi Saito in pencil within image near lower left, with red artist's seal

Artist - Kiyoshi Saito (1907 - 1997)

Image Size - 15 3/8" x 10 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight tape remnant on reverse at top and bottom edges from previous mounting. Small spot in margin. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.