Girl
Saitō Kiyoshi
Description
Saitô Kiyoshi
Japan, 1907–1997
Girl
Shôwa period (1926–89)
1966
Color woodblock print on Echizen Hosho paper
Gift of Dr. Seymour and Barbara K. Adelson, 2008/2.187
Subject Matter:
Originally trained as a sign painter, Saitô then taught himself the techniques of woodblock printing after moving to Tokyo. Girl is characteristic of the woodcuts for which Saitô is well-known, with its graphic nature and integration of strong woodgrain patterns into the composition. Saitô was part of the movement in Japan, called Sosaku hanga, that moved away from the traditional workshop-based printmaking practices towards one in which the individual artist was responsible for the design, creation, and production of their artwork.
Physical Description:
This woodcut shows a close-up image of the head of a girl. On an off-white paper, the print is created in two blocks: black, and bright yellow for the background. The figure has short hair, and is seen in profile, facing left, with her eyes closed. There are pronounced woodgrain patterns in black throughout the girl's face and background. The print is signed in white ink (l.r.) "Kiyoshi Saito" and titled, numbered and dated in pencil (l.c.) "GIRL 10/100 1966".
Usage Rights:
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