Skip to main content

Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

American, 1927-2007
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.”
to
3
3
Height
to
Width
to
1
3
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
10
403
294
245
149
Creator: Clifton Karhu
Clifton Karhu   " Chimoto 1968 " woodcut/woodblock print , signed pencil 22/50
Clifton Karhu   " Chimoto 1968 " woodcut/woodblock print , signed pencil 22/50

Clifton Karhu " Chimoto 1968 " woodcut/woodblock print , signed pencil 22/50

By Clifton Karhu

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful woodcut/woodblock print by the well known , American/Japan artist Clifton Karhu , signed and dated in pencil . lower margen . The image / paper is approximate 10.75 X 9.5 i...

Category

1960s Japanese Modern Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Related Items
Yoshitoshi Mori Signed Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Stencil Print, 1969
Yoshitoshi Mori Signed Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Stencil Print, 1969

Yoshitoshi Mori Signed Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Stencil Print, 1969

By Yoshitoshi Mori

Located in Studio City, CA

A large, earthly toned, dramatically composed print, with just the right touch of humor, is by Japanese master printmaker Yoshitoshi Mori who was famed ...

Category

1960s Japanese Showa Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Yoshida Hiroshi Toshogu Shrine
Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Yoshida Hiroshi Toshogu Shrine

Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Yoshida Hiroshi Toshogu Shrine

By Hiroshi Yoshida

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Japanese woodblock print by Yoshida Hiroshi (1876-1950), entitled "Toshogu Shrine", The vertical oban format print was made in Showa 12th year (1937). On the left margin in grey in...

Category

1930s Japanese Showa Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paper

Hiroshi Yoshida Signed Japanese Woodblock Print Hokuryo with Jizuri Seal, 1937
Hiroshi Yoshida Signed Japanese Woodblock Print Hokuryo with Jizuri Seal, 1937

Hiroshi Yoshida Signed Japanese Woodblock Print Hokuryo with Jizuri Seal, 1937

By Hiroshi Yoshida

Located in Studio City, CA

A wonderful image titled "Hokuryo" by one of Japan's finest 20th century artist and one of, if not the greatest working artist in the Shin-Hanga movement. Yos...

Category

1930s Japanese Showa Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Yoshida Hiroshi Hirakawa Bridge
Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Yoshida Hiroshi Hirakawa Bridge

Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Yoshida Hiroshi Hirakawa Bridge

By Hiroshi Yoshida

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Japanese woodblock print by Yoshida Hiroshi (1876-1950), entitled "Hirakawa Bridge". Part of his iconic series "Twelve Scenes of Tokyo" (Tokyo juni dai), the vertical format print ...

Category

1920s Japanese Showa Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Japanese Woodblock Print Famous Views of the Sixty-Odd Provinces by Hiroshige
Japanese Woodblock Print Famous Views of the Sixty-Odd Provinces by Hiroshige

Japanese Woodblock Print Famous Views of the Sixty-Odd Provinces by Hiroshige

By Utagawa Hiroshige (Ando Hiroshige)

Located in Atlanta, GA

Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) Series: Pictures of Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces Number: 44 Oki Province: Takuhi Shrine Medium: Woodblock Print Date: 1853 (Kaei 6), 12th month Number of Prints: 70/70 (inc. Title Page) Format: Vertical Oban Size (H x W): 14" x 9.25" print only. Publisher: Koshimuraya Heisuke (Koshihei) Blockcutter's mark: Hori Ko-Sen Signature: Hiroshige hitsu Additional marks: Censor's seals: aratame, Ox 12 Displayed with mat and gilt wood frame. Reference: For an identical print, see the collection of MIA (Minneapolis Institute of Art) Accession Number P.75.51.398; MFA...

Category

1850s Japanese Edo Antique Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Kiyoshi Saito Signed Japanese Woodblock Geisha Print Maiko Kyoto 3
Kiyoshi Saito Signed Japanese Woodblock Geisha Print Maiko Kyoto 3

Kiyoshi Saito Signed Japanese Woodblock Geisha Print Maiko Kyoto 3

By Kiyoshi Saitō

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautifully and serenely composed woodblock print by famed Japanese printmaker Kiyoshi Saito. Many consider Saito to be one of the most important, if not the most important, contem...

Category

1960s Japanese Showa Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Yoshida Hiroshi Sarusawa Pond
Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Yoshida Hiroshi Sarusawa Pond

Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Yoshida Hiroshi Sarusawa Pond

By Hiroshi Yoshida

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Japanese woodblock print by Yoshida Hiroshi (1876-1950), entitled "Sarusawa Pond". Part of the "Kansai District Series", the vertical format print was made in Showa 8th year (1933)...

Category

1930s Japanese Showa Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paper, Glass

Kiyoshi Saito Signed Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Hirato Nagasaki A
Kiyoshi Saito Signed Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Hirato Nagasaki A

Kiyoshi Saito Signed Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Hirato Nagasaki A

By Kiyoshi Saitō

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautifully composed woodblock print by famed Japanese Sosaku Hanga printmaker Kiyoshi Saito. Many consider Saito to be one of the most important, if not the most important, contem...

Category

1960s Japanese Showa Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Kaoru Kawano Signed Lifetime Edition Japanese Woodblock Print The Big Owl
Kaoru Kawano Signed Lifetime Edition Japanese Woodblock Print The Big Owl

Kaoru Kawano Signed Lifetime Edition Japanese Woodblock Print The Big Owl

By Kaoru Kawano

Located in Studio City, CA

An engaging and quite coveted work by famed Japanese artist Kaoru Kawano who was known for his whimsical portrayals of women, children, and animals. Stylistically, he was one of the first Japanese artists to combine Western-style elements with the traditional methods of woodblock printmaking. This work is known as "The Big Owl" Kawano's owl images are some of his most popular works, this one in particular. This print is hand signed in pencil and sealed (in red) by Kawano within the image. This work is a quite rare self-printed lifetime print. Prints made and signed by Kawano are becoming harder to find. A very beautiful and rich image. Would make for a great addition to any Japanese art and print collection or eye-catching stand-out accent work in about any setting. Frame dimensions: 21.25" high, 16.25" wide, .5" deep Viewable art: 14.5" x 9.5". Please note that the work is framed but there is no glass covering...

Category

1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Previously Available Items
Clifton Karhu ‘House in Takaido’ Woodblock c1976 Japan
Clifton Karhu ‘House in Takaido’ Woodblock c1976 Japan

Clifton Karhu ‘House in Takaido’ Woodblock c1976 Japan

By Clifton Karhu

Located in Oakland, CA

Beautiful large scale woodblock by acclaimed artist, Clifton Karhu titled "House in Takaido" c1976. Beautifully double mat framed in metal. Karhu was based in Kyoto for most of his v...

Category

1970s Japanese Modern Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Clifton Karhu ‘Lane in Gion’ Woodblock c1971 Japan
Clifton Karhu ‘Lane in Gion’ Woodblock c1971 Japan

Clifton Karhu ‘Lane in Gion’ Woodblock c1971 Japan

By Clifton Karhu

Located in Oakland, CA

Stunning large scale "Artist Proof" edition by acclaimed woodblock artist, Clifton Karhu titled "Lane in Gion" c1971. Beautifully double mat framed in metal. Karhu was based in Kyoto...

Category

1970s Japanese Modern Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Clifton Karhu Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Hong Kong II, 1969
Clifton Karhu Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Hong Kong II, 1969

Clifton Karhu Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Hong Kong II, 1969

By Clifton Karhu

Located in Studio City, CA

A uniquely designed or shaped and colored woodblock print by American master printmaker Clifton Karhu who lived in Japan for over 50 years. Karhu's work gained great esteem not only ...

Category

1960s Japanese Showa Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Clifton Karhu Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Hong Kong I, 1969
Clifton Karhu Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Hong Kong I, 1969

Clifton Karhu Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Hong Kong I, 1969

By Clifton Karhu

Located in Studio City, CA

A uniquely designed/shaped and colored woodblock print by American master printmaker Clifton Karhu who lived in Japan for over 50 years. Karhu's work gained great esteem not only in ...

Category

1960s Japanese Modern Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Clifton Karhu Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Noren Ichiriki, 1969
Clifton Karhu Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Noren Ichiriki, 1969

Clifton Karhu Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print Noren Ichiriki, 1969

By Clifton Karhu

Located in Studio City, CA

A gorgeously designed and colored woodblock print by American master printmaker Clifton Karhu who lived in Japan for over 50 years. Karhu's work gained great esteem not only in Japan...

Category

1960s Japanese Showa Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Clifton Karhu Japanese Woodblock Print
Clifton Karhu Japanese Woodblock Print

Clifton Karhu Japanese Woodblock Print

Sold

H 14 in W 18 in D 1 in

Clifton Karhu Japanese Woodblock Print

By Clifton Karhu

Located in Studio City, CA

A very vibrant and colorful woodblock print by American master print maker Clifton Karhu who lived in Japan for over 50 years. Karhu's work gained great esteem not only in Japan but ...

Category

1970s Japanese Modern Vintage Clifton Karhu Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Clifton Karhu wall decorations for sale on 1stDibs.

Clifton Karhu wall decorations are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of paper and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Clifton Karhu wall decorations, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original wall decorations by Clifton Karhu were created in the mid-century modern style in japan during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider wall decorations by Kaoru Kawano, Junichiro Sekino, and Kiyoshi Saitō. Prices for Clifton Karhu wall decorations can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,800 and can go as high as $4,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,495.