Nara (B)
Original Print; Woodblock print (Sosaku-hanga) on paper • Kiyoshi Saito (1907–1997)
Style & Movement
Sosaku-hanga (Creative Print) movement; Modernist Japanese Printmaking
Medium & Technique
Color woodblock print (xylography) utilizing the Sosaku-hanga 'creative print' technique where the artist carved, inked, and printed the blocks personally. Features distinctive wood grain texture and flat color planes.
Creation Period
1963 (Dated on the lower right margin)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (image size); horizontal landscape format.
Subject Description
A tranquil village scene in Nara, Japan, featuring traditional architecture with a water wheel, utility poles, and a lone figure carrying a shoulder yoke (tenbin-bo). The composition uses a sophisticated interplay of shadows and simplified geometric forms, utilizing the natural wood grain of the printing block to add organic texture to the ground and buildings.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the print appears well-preserved under glass, though slight toning of the paper and possible minor fading are common for this age.
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 - $1,800 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500 USD
Provenance History
Formerly held by Kennedy Galleries, NYC (indicated by verso label). Likely immigrated to the US market during the mid-to-late 20th-century boom of Japanese print collecting.
Art Historical Significance
Kiyoshi Saito was a seminal figure in the Sosaku-hanga movement, which broke from the traditional Ukiyo-e workshop system to emphasize the artist's individual hand. His work was pivotal in introducing Japanese modernism to Western audiences, especially after winning top prizes at the 1951 Sao Paulo Bienal.
Notable Features
Includes artist's signature in pencil, red hanko (seal) within the image, title 'NARA (B)', edition number (partially obscured but appears out of 200/300), and date '1963' in the lower margin. The Kennedy Gallery label adds significant provenance value.
Condition Issues
Visible minor mat burn or darkening at the margins; potential acid transfer from original backing materials if not previously conserved; minor undulation of the paper sheet.
Conservation Recommendations
Remount using acid-free, archival materials and UV-protective museum glass. Ensure the print is hinged rather than glued to maintain structural integrity.
Collector Notes
Kennedy Gallery NYC on verso with self-carved and self painted text and artist name