Eye (Abstract Ocular Composition)
Print, likely a woodblock print (Sōsaku-hanga style) or large-scale lithograph on paper • Attributed to the circle of the Sōsaku-hanga movement; stylistically reminiscent of artists like Kiyoshi Saitō or Hideo Hagiwara, though the red 'hanko' (seal) in the lower left requires closer inspection for definitive identification.
Style & Movement
Modernist / Mid-Century Modern Abstract. Specifically related to the Japanese Creative Print movement (Sōsaku-hanga) which blended traditional techniques with western abstraction.
Medium & Technique
Ink on paper. Employs flat color planes, visible wood grain textures in the darker sections (typical of woodblock), and precise registration for the central geometric pupil.
Creation Period
Circa 1960–1975
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches (large format); vertical portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A highly stylized, abstract representation of a human eye. The central white oval contains a blue iris with a geometric, hourglass-shaped pupil. The surrounding dark blue and black shapes form a cross-like or anatomical structure against a muted teal/grey background, suggesting surveillance, introspection, or perception.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paper shows slight undulation and possible minor light-strike/fading of the background teal pigment. The margins appear clean within the frame.
Estimated Market Value
USD 800 - USD 2,500 depending on definitive artist identification.
Auction Estimate
USD 600 - USD 1,800
Provenance History
Unknown. The presence of a red artist's seal (hanko) in the lower left corner indicates a professional artist or printmaker. Likely acquired from a gallery specializing in modern Japanese art.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-war shift in printmaking where traditional Japanese craftsmanship intersected with global abstract trends. Large-scale prints of this nature were significant in the 1960s for bringing avant-garde aesthetics into residential and commercial spaces.
Notable Features
Red artist seal (hanko) in lower left; unique graphic interplay between the organic 'void' and the mechanical precision of the pupil.
Condition Issues
Visible rippling of the paper (cockling) suggests it is not archival-mounted or is reacting to humidity. Potential yellowing of the white margin (mat burn) if the materials are not acid-free.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend removal from current frame to inspect margins for a signature. Re-frame using UV-protective glazing and acid-free museum-grade matting to prevent further fading and acidity damage.