Kiyoshi Saito
(Japanese, 1907-1997)
Bun Raku F; Bun Raku G (2)1961
woodblock prints in colors on wove paper
titled, dated, and numbered to lower margins in pencil; boldly signed in white ink and artist stamped in ochre to lower print area. Saito was one of the most important Japanese woodblock print artists of the 20th century. Originally trained as a painter, Saito became a pivotal member of the "Sosaku Hanga" or "Creative Print" movement in the Post-war period, attracting international audiences and accolades. In the spirit of Sosaku Hanga, he engaged with every aspect of the printmaking process, meaning that each of his works is self-drawn, self-carved and self-printed. While his early works reveal an attention to three-dimensionality, as his style evolved, his designs became increasingly two-dimensional, distinguished by bold blocks of color, refined designs, and rich texture.
32 x 20in (81 x 51cm)

Both matted but not framed. Toning and edge wear present; previous matting adhesive had darkened around papers' edges; not affecting the image nor print surface in any way.