<b>HEARING THE WIND</b> / Shiko Munakata1953<b>SOLD</b></em>

Details

A self-taught artist with a strong nearsighted disposition, Shiko Munakata taught himself painting and exhibited his work widely. After an encounter with a print by Sumio Kawakami and a brief tutorial in woodblock printmaking by Un'ichi Hiratsuka, Munakata was off and running.

Being a self-taught artist with a strong affinity for traditional craft, Munakata became closely associated with mingei, a Japanese folk art movement. The artist carved his blocks with the same rigor and intensity as he produced his paintings—carving and printing them with his face only inches away from the surface of the block. Munakata drew inspiration from Buddhist scriptures and Japanese folklore, as the vast majority of his designs depict deities and other supernatural figures.

This endearing and whimsical design depicts a goddess whose outstretched arms appear to hold up the artist's composition. Munakata carved out the print with quick and rhythmic gauges. Leaves and foliage sway with an enchanted wind surrounding this otherworldly nude, further advancing the dynamic and energetic feeling of the composition. The artist elected to keep this impression monotone, giving the work a straightforward, expressive potency, which allows the sumi-black tones to animate the scene and showcase the vigor of the artist's hand as the design is brought to life.

Connoisseur's Note

Shiko Munakata prints are among the most sought-after works in 20th-century prints. The most in-demand designs, such as this work, illustrate female figures. This print is in an exceptional state of preservation and bears the artist's Muna seal used post-war. This work was given to Elise Grilli, post-war journalist and art historian, by the artist himself.