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 - Tadashi Nakayama - Sosaku hanga artist Tadashi Nakayama initially studied oil painting at Tama Art College, but began creating woodblock prints in 1951. In the 1960s, he traveled to Turkey, Greece, England, and Italy, absorbing influences from Persian and Byzantine art and the renaissance master Paolo Ucello. Throughout his long career, his subjects have included flowers, butterflies, women, and perhaps most famously, horses. Nakayama's complex images use rich color, ranging from deep earthy hues to vibrant jewel-tones, and many designs include metallic pigments. He carves and prints his works, signing and dating them in pencil. His vibrant modern woodblocks are a terrific choice for a collector interested in sosaku hanga prints.
Comments - Intriguing early work by Nakayama featuring a crane from his "Incarnation" or "Phoenix" series, which depicted cranes in vibrant color against dark backgrounds. Rendered with bold, curving strokes in red orange, deep violet, white, and subtle copper, the bird almost appears to be on fire or to be standing in a strong wind, a mass of swirling energy against the richly textured and subtly colored background. Slender triangles of black and white form the beak, with a knot of yellow feathers at the side of the head. A terrific modern image by Nakayama, with real visual appeal.
Early prints by Tadashi Nakayama are rarely seen in the market, and this design is from one of his earliest series. Don't miss this opportunity to acquire a bold contemporary design by this well-known sosaku hanga artist.
Signed - T. Nakayama in pencil in bottom margin
Dated - 1958
Artist - Tadashi Nakayama (born 1927)
Image Size - 29 7/8" x 11" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight creasing, a few small spots in margins. Please note, due to the large size, this print will be shipped rolled. Please see photos for details. Good overall.
