Japanese Woodblock Print, 1950s, published by Kawano Kaoru

SIZE IN INCHES: 11 x 8 (overall including margin)

COMMENTS: This is one of the most arresting prints I have ever seen by sosaku hanga printmaker Kaoru Kawano. The print depicts a crane in flight against a red sky. The woodgrain in the background is superb, and the black in the wings is overprinted for a gorgeous textured effect. The print measures about 6 x 5 plus very large margins. Sealed with the artist's red seal, then again verso with his early black seal.

KAWANO KAORU (1916-1965) was born in Hokkaido, and studied at Kawabata Art School during the 1930s. He gained an international his reputation through successful solo exhibitions in North America and elsewhere. His prints frequently depict children and animals, combining Western-style elements with the tradition of woodblock printmaking. Kaoru Kawano’s works are also appreciated for the way in which they incorporate the woodgrain of the block into the design.

VG, with flaws as shown