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Rare 1971 Clifton Karhu Japanese Woodblock Print Titled "Karasuma Street, Kyoto"
About the Item
A Finnish-American who lived and died in Japan, Clifton Karhu (1927-2007) devoted himself to the art of woodblock printmaking and is today considered one of the foremost masters of the medium. He resided in Japan for over 50 years and drew inspiration from the vibrant streets of various prefectures, active ports along the coasts, and scenes of nature as they progressed through the seasons. You will see these elements often in his work.
This woodblock is a rarity among Karhu's work. Being of a scale much larger than he usually worked. Including the frame, the woodblock measures 32 7/8” long x 23 3/4” tall x 7/8” thick. The matte window measures 24 1/2” long x 15 3/4” tall.
The artwork depicts sinuous trees before a colorful building facade. It is titled "Karasuma Street - Kyoto," dated 1971, and is edition number 37 out of a limited run 50. It is signed in pencil by the late artist and expertly preserved in a black frame. No damage or wear to the print.
- Creator:Clifton Karhu (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 23.75 in (60.33 cm)Width: 32.88 in (83.52 cm)Depth: 0.88 in (2.24 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1971
- Condition:Excellent condition with no creases, rips, or water damage. Expertly framed and well cared for.
- Seller Location:Media, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6914232075712
Clifton Karhu
Born in Duluth, Minnesota, Clifton Karhu was one of the most acclaimed American woodblock artists to work in Japan. Though the son of two painters and artistically inclined from an early age, Karhu joined the military. Stationed at the American Navy base in Sasebo from 1946 to 1948, he fell in love with Japan. Upon his return to the United States, he attended the Minneapolis Art School (1950-1952) before returning to Japan in 1952, this time as a missionary of the Lutheran church. From Hiroshima to Kyoto, he and his wife sold bibles until he became disillusioned with the mission. Settling in Gifu prefecture, he returned to art, working in oils and watercolor. Karhu’s reputation grew swiftly, winning first prize at the Middle Pacific Art Group Exhibition, and held his first solo exhibition at Shin Gifu Gallery. In 1963, Karhu moved to Kyoto. Immersed in the city’s vibrant artistic community, he began a successful career in woodblock printmaking. His self-carved and self-printed works portray traditional style houses and architectural details. Deeply expressive, yet precise and geometric, Karhu's style earned him enormous popularity worldwide.When asked about his medium, he states: “In Kyoto the vertical and horizontal lines of the tile roofs and the latticed windows strike a special harmony, like something alive. In my prints of Kyoto, I always strive to express this human warmth. Since wood accounts for much of Kyoto’s beauty, it may also be the best way that beauty can be expressed - through woodblock prints.”
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Media, PA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
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