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.

Haniwa (5) - Intriguing design from a series by Kiyoshi Saito featuring ancient pottery funerary figures called "haniwa." The shapes are simplified and bold, the warm red brown, gray, and white set of the figure set against textured black blocks and shimmering mica and wood grain in the white shapes. Beautiful use of strong wood grain to convey texture. A really striking sosaku hanga design by Saito.

Signed In white ink within image, with red artist's seal, and pencil notation (5) in bottom margin

Artist - Kiyoshi Saito (1907 - 1997)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 8 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Tape remnants on three edges from previous mounting. A few light creases at edges, small "Made in Japan" label on reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.