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.

Tokyo Contemporary Collection - This print is from a large group of contemporary prints we recently purchased in Tokyo. With designs from a range of artists, including some famous and rare designs, this is the largest group of contemporary Japanese prints we have ever offered.

Winter in Aizu - Handsome winter village scene by the sosaku hanga master Kiyoshi Saito. Figures make their way past thatched roof houses, leaving gray footprints in the snow. The rooftops are mounded with white snow, shadowed in gray and edged with icicles. In the center, a warm brown tone highlights items hanging to dry from bars suspended from the eaves. A striking design with a very effective use of a limited color palette to create contrast and convey a mood.

Signed - Pencil signed at lower left, with red artist's seal, pencil notation S-2 at bottom left corner

Artist - Kiyoshi Saito (1907 - 1997)

Image Size - 10 1/8" x 18 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight rubbing on reverse at centers of three edges from previous mounting. Light toning, slight creasing from drying clamp at top left. Please see photos for details. Good overall.