<b>THE VISIT</b> / Shiko Munakata1960<b>SOLD</b></em>

Details

A self-taught artist with a strong nearsighted disposition, 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. 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. Being a self-taught artist with a strong affinity for traditional craft, Munakata became closely associated with mingei, a Japanese folk art movement.

This tender and whimsical design depicts a woman peering out from a doorway. The print was inspired by Birds of Sorrow, a noh play. The image has a power of directness that owes much to the angular carving style of the artist and the loose application of the black pigment.

Connoisseur's Note

Shiko Munakata prints are among the most sought after works in 20th-century prints. The most in-demand designs illustrate female figures, such as this work. This print is in an exceptional state of preservation. The print comes with a certificate of authentication issued by the Munakata Committee, a requirement as there are numerous fakes in the marketplace.