Clifton Karhu - Born in Minnesota, Clifton Karhu lived and worked in Japan for more than fifty years, becoming one of the most important western artists working in the medium of traditional Japanese woodblock prints. Karhu served in Japan as a soldier in the U.S. Army, studying at the Minneapolis School of Art before returning to Japan permanently in the early 1950s. Karhu's colorful images of Japan, mostly of Kyoto where he lived, are lively designs celebrating the beauty and wonder of Japan and its ancient culture. His jewel-like colors, bold line work, and lyrical patterns create a vibrant portrait of his adopted country. Karhu exhibited widely, both in Japan and internationally, and his work can be seen in museums such as the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Comments - Handsome view of an entrance which leads to a series of shoji panels opening onto interior spaces, providing the viewer with the sense of looking into window, after window, after window as you move into the more intimate spaces of the structure. Karhu's characteristic bold black line work creates a strong geometric framework for the beautifully composed scene.

Signed - C. Karhu in pencil in bottom margin, dated "88"
Numbered - 84/100

Artist - Clifton Karhu (1927 - 2007)

Image Size - 12" x 12" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Toning. Please see photos for details. Good overall.