Koshiro Onchi Japanese Woodblock Print Portrait of the Poet Hagiwara Sakutaro

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Koshiro Onchi Japanese Woodblock Print Portrait of the Poet Hagiwara Sakutaro

About the Item

An iconic woodblock print by Koshiro Onchi who was one of the leading Japanese printmakers of the 20th century. This, his most renowned and widely recognized representational work, was first printed in 1943 by Onchi himself and limited to 7 prints. It has since become "the image" of the sosaku hanga movement and considered by many to be one of the top artistic designs of the 20th century. The portrait is of his close friend and surrealist poet/writer Hagiwara Sakutaro, author of "Ice Island", captures a troubled man in dark times during WW II. Hagiwara struggled with depression and alcoholism towards the end of his life and died in 1941. This image is the epitome of a psychological study of a man whose inner demons were clearly getting the better of him. Onchi made the portrait print a year after Hagiwara's death to honor his friend's passing. In 1949, Onchi allowed his one time student and close colleague Junichiro Sekino to make an edition of fifty prints (although some dispute this number and claim it was closer to 20 prints) using the same original seven blocks (the print itself took 15 printing stages which resulted in a deeply colored, very contrasted and detailed image). In 1955 (the year Onchi died) the Onchi family commissioned another edition shortly after Onchi's death again using the original Onchi carved seven blocks by master printer Hirai Koichi. This print is from that memorial edition (as noted on verso of print). This run was so well received it sold out the year it was produced. To date no further printings have been made. Sealed with red (k) stamp (somewhat faintly) in lower left within image. An excellent color, state, and impression overall. Simply put this would be the crown jewel of any Japanese print or art collection. A very riveting work. This image has become a very scarce and hard to find work that rarely surfaces to market. The print has been recently matted and backed with acid free mat board as well as new UV glare free glass. Framed dimensions: 29.5" high, 23.5" wide, .5" deep.

Dimensions:
Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)
Style:
Showa (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
1950-1959
Date of Manufacture:
1955
Condition:
The print is in very good to excellent vintage condition (whatever differences you see in the photos is due to our showroom lighting and not the print itself). Truly special. Frame has wear consistent with age and use. Rare & exceptional overall.
Seller Location:
Studio City, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2254319975412