Wood Printing Blocks by Aota Kenzo - Not much is known about the sosaku hanga or creative prints artist Aota Kenzo. He studied printmaking with Tomisaburo Hasegawa, and was a member of the Nihon Hanga-in or Banga-in (Japan Print Institute). The Honolulu Museum of Art in Hawaii has one print by him in their collection. Hand carved by Aota, these printing blocks provide wonderful insight into the complex process used to create a woodblock print. We rarely come across blocks, and these would make an interesting and unusual addition to a Japanese woodblock print collection.

This block - This block is carved on both sides, with a figure of Buddha with a halo holding a leaf and a shakujo, a staff topped with a ringed finial. The reverse is carved to print three different colors of the design.

Artist - Aota Kenzo (born 1945)

Image Size - Block 11 7/8" x 8 7/8" x 3/8"

Condition - Block shows normal wear. Please see photos for details.