This is a highly sought after and collectable woodblock print by Clifton Karhu - one of the most successful (and most expensive) Japanese printmakers during the second half of the 20th Century.
This large roundel print is in excellent condition with no issues and has recently been re-mounted in a new acid-free museum quality mount, ready to be framed.
The colours are bright and fresh with no fading as this print has never been hung on display.
It is from a smaller edition of only 80 impressions and this on is edition numbered as No. 58.
It is signed in pencil below and with the title Koinobori.
The image shows a series of vividly coloured carp-shaped kites or Koinobori
In the background, you can see the tiles on a rooftop and beyond the vivid blue sky.
These carp streamers were flown to celebrate Children's Day on May 5th. Families with boys often raise these festive streamers to celebrate their sons and to convey their hopes for their health and happiness.
Clifton Karhu was born in Minnesota in 1927. After graduating from school he served in the military, stationed at an American naval base in Sasebo, Kyushu, at the end of the Second World War. On returning to the States, Karhu studied art at the Minneapolis School of Art (today Minneapolis College of Art and Design) from 1950 to 1952.
In 1955 he was ordained as a Lutheran minister and travelled once again to Japan to undertake missionary work. In 1958 he turned to art and moved to Kyoto. It was here that Karhu learned the craft of woodblock printing, and he unusually carved all his works largely by himself.
His work was a distinctive graphical style, with bold line work together with striking colours. His skills were soon recognised and he was elected as head of the Kyoto Japan Print Association on numerous occasions.
Clifton Karhu passed away in 2007 after an illustrious career that saw him viewed and celebrated as a local Kyoto celebrity. Having produced numerous solo exhibitions in Japan as well as having exhibited widely in many countries around the world, many of his best works can be found in national galleries across the globe.
This particular roundel print in such fantastic condition does not come up for sale very often - and this is reflected in my very fair asking price for this wonderful impression. It is certainly of museum quality - and you probably won't find a more glorious impression of it.
Sadly - it would have to be sent to the UK only. It would be carefully packed (unframed), and fully insured in transit.