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Clifton Karhu Prints

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.”
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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

$950

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...

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1960s Japanese Modern Vintage Clifton Karhu Prints

Materials

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Clifton Karhu prints for sale on 1stDibs.

Clifton Karhu prints 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 prints, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original prints 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 prints by Kaoru Kawano, Junichiro Sekino, and Kiyoshi Saitō. Prices for Clifton Karhu prints 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.

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