Stunning limited edition vintage Clifton Karhu woodblock, Japan 1972. Signed, titled and dated, edition 53 out of 80. Vibrant colors within fabulous architectural form. We’re unsure what the title reads, possibly signifying the. Teramae Railway Station in Kamikaze? Nicely matted with beveled salmon colored matt nestled behind gold tone wood frame and glass. The piece is in amazing vintage condition with no damage or issues of concern and appears to have never been removed from it’s original frame and matting. Vibrant colors and displays beautifully. Very minor wear to frame. With frame measures approximately – 14 7/8″ tall x 14 1/4″ wide. Round image size measures approximately – 10″ x 10″. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, the late Clifton Karhu was one of the most acclaimed American woodblock artists to work in Japan. Though the son of two painters and artistically inclined from an early age, Karhu joined the military. Stationed at the American Navy base in Sasebo from 1946 to 1948, he fell in love with Japan. Upon his return to the United States, he attended the Minneapolis Art School (1950-52) before returning to Japan in 1952, this time as a missionary of the Lutheran church. Karhus reputation grew swiftly, winning first prize at the Middle Pacific Art Group Exhibition, and held his first solo exhibition at Shin Gifu Gallery. In 1963, he moved to Kyoto. Immersed in the citys vibrant artistic community, he began his successful career in woodblock printmaking. His self-carved and self-printed works portray traditional style houses and architectural details. Deeply expressive, yet precise and geometric, Karhu’s style has earned him enormous popularity worldwide. When asked about his medium, he states: In Kyoto the vertical and horizontal lines of the tile roofs and the latticed windows strike a special harmony, like something alive. In my prints of Kyoto, I always strive to express this human warmth. Since wood accounts for much of Kyotos beauty, it may also be the best way that beauty can be expressed through woodblock prints. On March 24th, 2007, Karhu passed away from lung cancer. The item “Clifton Karhu Japanese Woodblock S/N 53/80 Titled 1976 Colorful Framed Matted” is in sale since Wednesday, February 13, 2019. This item is in the category “Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Prints”. The seller is “moderndaze” and is located in Westminster, Colorado. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Age: 1972
- Original/Reproduction: Vintage Original
- Region of Origin: Japan
- Maker: Clifton Karhu
