RARE 1964 SAITO KIYOSHI “SAKURADA-MON TOKYO” JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINT #45 OF 100. The print is titled “Sakurada-Mon Tokyo”, which depicts one of the gates of the Edo Castle, a historic fortification first constructed in the 15th. In 1860, this was the site of the assassination of Ii Naosuke, a powerful political figure, by anti-government protesters who opposed the treaty to open up trade with the West. The print’s dark and earthy hues and embossed texture are used to fill in simple, abstract shapes that form the scene. The vast space of the gate’s exterior contrasted with the compressed interior creates a sense of distance. Through the abstraction of this landscape, Saito connects his conflicted artistic identity with the historical and cultural clash of the landscape. This woodblock print was created in 1964 in a limited edition of only 100 impressions. The image portion measures about 20 7/8″ wide and 15″ tall. I have not examined the print outside of the frame so I’m not sure of the total paper size (probably about 24″ x 17.5″, based on information from other sales descriptions). It’s signed “Kiyoshi Saito” in the lower right image, beneath a red signature seal. The print is titled in pencil in the bottom margin, numbered “45/100″, and marked with the year “1964″. It comes matted and framed in black bamboo style frame that measures approximately 27 3/8″ wide and 21 3/4″ tall. Kiyoshi Saito was one of the first artists of the Japanese Sosaku Hanga movement whose art became successful and was widely accepted and awarded by an international audience. He developed a technique and style of creating woodblock prints with a reduced color palette and simplified forms. Instead of elaborate carving and color refinement, he worked a lot with the grain pattern of the woodblock. Saito’s works are known for their compositional clarity and artistic simplicity. The bold abstraction and spontaneous design give his work a special quality. Saito’s prints are self-drawn, self-carved and self-printed. Today, Saito is regarded as one of the great masters of modern Japanese printmaking after the end of the war in 1945. Condition of this Saito Kiyoshi woodblock print is VERY GOOD. The margins appear to have some light age toning. I don’t see any other damage. As I mentioned previously, the print has not been examined outside of the frame. The frame is intact but had some chipping and bumps that I touched up with black paint. The paper on the back side shows some wear. You could certainly hang this print “as is”, but it deserves to be reframed (in my opinion). Please take a close look at the many photos I’ve provided and judge condition for yourself. See my other listings. For more great items! The Gates of Edo Castle. Title & Limited Edition Number 45/100. Artist Signature & Seal. Reverse Side of Frame. I will insure this item at my own expense. Txzj pxzj38218 txzj-11 txzj95 txzj115.
