Snow Girl (Yuki no shojo)
Print; woodblock (moku-hanga) on Japanese paper (washi). • Iwao Akiyama (Japanese, 1921–2014).
Style & Movement
Sosaku-hanga (Creative Print movement); influenced by the Mingei folk art movement and the style of his teacher, Shiko Munakata.
Medium & Technique
Woodcut; black ink with hand-tinting (red dot near collar). Technique involves Sosaku-hanga (creative print) style where the artist carves and prints the block themselves.
Creation Period
1975
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 10 inches (total sheet size); Portrait format.
Subject Description
A stylized, expressive portrait of a young woman tilting her head. The composition is tight and dynamic, typical of Akiyama's work. The subject reflects a sense of folk-like innocence and primitive energy, often associated with his depictions of Japanese spiritual and rural themes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair. The print shows visible signs of age including surface undulation, minor foxing/spotting in the margin areas, and slight toning of the paper.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD.
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 USD.
Provenance History
Numbered 20/100. Modern Japanese prints of this type were frequently sold through galleries in Tokyo or acquired by Western collectors and soldiers stationed in Japan during the mid-to-late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Iwao Akiyama was a prominent student of the world-renowned Shiko Munakata. His work is significant for bridging traditional Japanese woodblock techniques with a bold, 20th-century expressionist aesthetic. He is highly regarded for his owl motifs and 'Santoka' (haiku poet) series.
Notable Features
Includes artist's pencil signature, title in Kanji, date (1975), edition number (20/100), and a red artist's seal (hanko) in the lower right corner.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown oxidation spots) throughout the paper, likely due to acidic mounting materials or humidity. The paper is wavy, suggesting it is not mounted flat or has reacted to environmental moisture.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend de-framing to check for acidic backing material. A professional conservator could perform a light cleaning to reduce foxing. Re-frame using archival, acid-free matting and UV-protective glass.