Katsura Kyoto (H)
Original woodblock print on paper (Sōsaku-hanga) • Kiyoshi Saito (Japanese, 1907-1997)
Style & Movement
Sōsaku-hanga (Creative Prints) movement; Modernist interpretation of traditional Japanese architecture.
Medium & Technique
Color woodblock print (xylography) using oil-based or water-based pigments; features visible wood grain texture and distinct block-layering typical of the artist's hands-on carving and printing process.
Creation Period
1962
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (image size); landscape format.
Subject Description
An abstract, geometric depiction of the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto. The composition focuses on architectural elements including shoji screens, stone pathways, and structural beams, utilizing a flat, modernist perspective with a muted palette of greys, browns, and whites.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The print appears well-preserved within its frame, though slight toning of the paper is visible in the margins.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,200 - $1,800 USD
Provenance History
Indications of Kennedy Galleries, NYC on verso. This suggests a strong secondary market pedigree, as Kennedy Galleries was a prestigious New York establishment. Likely acquired by a private collector in the mid-20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Kiyoshi Saito was a leading figure in the Sōsaku-hanga movement, which emphasized the artist as the sole creator (carver and printer). His 'Katsura' series is among his most celebrated, bridging traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western mid-century abstraction.
Notable Features
Numbered 17/200; pencil signed by the artist in the lower margin with his red seal (hanko) integrated into the block; original 1960s Kennedy Gallery provenance.
Condition Issues
Visible minor mat burn or yellowing along the paper edges; potential light fading due to UV exposure; slight rippling of the paper consistent with age.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend deframing to inspect for acidic mounting materials; re-mount using reversible acid-free hinges and UV-protective glazing to prevent further light damage.
Collector Notes
Kennedy Gallery NYC on verso with self-carved and self painted text and artist name