Iku Nagai - Born in Nagano Prefecture in 1930, Iku Nagai studied art and graphic design at Tama Art College. While working as a graphic designer, he created the crane logo formerly used by Japan Airlines. He produced a number of designs for woodblock prints published by Kyoto Hanga-in during the mid-1950s and later, including mythological creatures and beautiful women.

Kappa Prints by Iku Nagai - In the mid- to late-1950s, Iku Nagai designed a series of whimsical woodblock prints depicting kappa that were published by Kyoto Hanga-in. Kappa are mythological creatures or water spirits, usually depicted as mischievous or even evil. They have a circular depression in the top of their heads that holds water, which is the source of their power. If you happen to meet one, the best thing to do is to bow politely. In return, the kappa will bow back, emptying the water from their heads and rendering them harmless. In these delightful works, Iku Nagai shows them as happy creatures in tune with nature, going about their own lives. These charming and unusual designs would make an interesting addition to a modern Japanese woodblock collection.

Artist - Iku Nagai (born 1930)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A few small marks. Please see photos for details.