Sosaku Hanga - The sosaku hanga or creative print movement in Japan began in the early part of the twentieth century. Unlike the traditional collaborative woodblock printing process utilizing a separate artist, carver, and printer along with a publisher, the sosaku hanga movement emphasized artist involvement in designing, carving, and printing the blocks himself, as the sole creator of his work. The movement gained popularity following World War II, earning international acclaim and expanding subject matter to include abstraction. Today most contemporary Japanese print artists design, carve, and print their woodblocks themselves, continuing the vibrant creative tradition established with ukiyo-e. Sosaku hanga prints encompass a wide range of subjects and expressive artistic styles, and are a great choice for a collector interested in modern and contemporary prints.

Kawakami Sumio - Many of Kawakami Sumio's intriguing sosaku hanga designs reflect his interest in foreign culture and the interactions between the Japanese and the first foreigners who first arrived in Japan to trade. He lived in the United States for a year, and collected foreign language books, which provided inspiration for some of his subject matter. By the mid-1930s, he developed his own technique of printing a black key block and then hand coloring each print rather than using multiple blocks to add color. Although Kawakami did not personally know many of the early sosaku hanga artists because he lived far from Tokyo, printmakers like the famous and influential Onchi Koshiro considered him a great artist. His amusing designs are a fun choice for a modern collector.

Artist - Kawakami Sumio (1895 - 1972)

Image Size - 10 5/8" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight rubbing at top corner, a few tiny spots. Date seal on reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Shopping Fuji Arts Clearance-

We sell thousands of clearance prints every year in our three ultra-low price categories. Start collecting, purchase an inexpensive print, or discover something special in Fuji Arts Clearance. Notable collectors worldwide shop the clearance regularly.

What prints are in Fuji Arts Clearance?

- Prints that have moved through our auctions and will sell below cost.
- Overstocked prints.
- Prints with condition issues.

Use the item page and photos to shop clearance. We don’t offer support for clearance purchasing (additional photos or enhanced identifications). All available information is on the item page. Clearance prints are final sale.

Shipping minimums: We do not ship orders totaling less than $24.99.