Japanese Woodblock Print, 1948, 1st Edition, published by Unsodo; Carver Nagashima Michio, printer Shinmi Saburo.

SIZE IN INCHES: oban, 11 x 16 inches

SIZE IN INCHES: oban, approx. 16 x 10.5 inches

COMMENTS: Rarely seen print from the series Lake Biwa in Four Seasons

KENJI KAWAI (1908-1995) was born in Tokyo. At the age of 20 he graduated from the Kyoto City Specialist School of Painting. His teacher was Nishimura Goun, known by collectors of Japanese prints for his contribution to Supplements of the Complete Works of Chikamatsu. Primarily a painter, he also worked with the publisher Unsodo to transform his designed into woodblock prints. Most woodblock prints were published shortly after the end of world war II. The themes are famous views around Kyoto and from Japan. The prints were probably targeted at the members of the American occupation forces. Japanese woodblock prints were a favorite present bought by the Americans stationed in Japan for their loved ones at home in the USA.

Fine, no flaws. Uncirculated print.