Abstract Composition by Yasuo Tanaka
Original painting on wooden panel or board • Yasuo Tanaka (Japanese, 20th Century)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern, Japanese Abstract Art, potentially associated with the Gutai or International Abstract Expressionist influence.
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic paint on wood; based on the verso signature, the artist utilized an expressive, gestural application of pigment.
Creation Period
Circa 1950s - 1960s (Mid-Century Modern)
Dimensions & Format
Small to medium scale, rectangular format (portrait orientation based on the wood grain and signature placement).
Subject Description
While the primary image shows the verso (back), the signature 'Y. TANAKA' and the date '57' (stylized) suggest an abstract or non-representational composition typical of the artist's era. The focus is on form, color, and gesture.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the verso shows aging of the wood panel and significant use of aged masking tape, indicating previous framing or protective mounting.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,000 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
The back of the panel features a bold, red-ink signature/inscription: 'Y. TANAKA'. This is a typical artist mark from the mid-20th-century Japanese art market. No other exhibition labels are visible.
Art Historical Significance
Yasuo Tanaka represents the significant post-war movement of Japanese artists who synthesized traditional aesthetics with Western abstraction, contributing to the global dialogue of Modernism.
Notable Features
Distinctive red ink signature on the raw wood panel; the use of tape across the back suggests a history of professional exhibition or long-term private framing.
Condition Issues
Adhesive residue and pressure-sensitive tape on the verso are causing surface staining and may affect the longevity of the panel's edges. Potential for wood warping or dryness over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional removal of the aged masking tape by a conservator to prevent further acid migration into the substrate. UV-protective glazing and a non-reactive mounting system are recommended.
Collector Notes
Can’t remember