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.

Comments - Terrific portrait of a seated maiko or apprentice geisha from Kyoto seen in profile. She wears layers of kimono, the black sleeve patterned with a bold black on black stylized floral pattern and lined in a deep red that matches her hair ribbon. The warm gray and ocher colored obi features strong wood grain impression, and the white kimono collar features shimmering mica. The figure is set off by a beautiful gray background in strong wood grain detail. A bold and beautiful design modern design by this sosaku hanga master. We've seen this subject offered elsewhere online for $2,400!

Signed - K. Saito in pencil within image near lower right, with red artist's seal

Artist - Kiyoshi Saito (1907 - 1997)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight thinning on reverse at corners from previous mounting. A few creases, slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.