<b>SNOW AT KATSURA</b> / Clifton Karhu1970<b>SOLD</b></em>

Details

In this brilliant architectural scene, Karhu depicts the stunning structures at the Katsura Imperial Villa, just outside of Kyoto. These grounds are considered Japanese cultural treasures, showcasing masterpieces of Japanese landscaping while the buildings are regarded among the greatest achievements of Japanese architecture.

Set in winter with a healthy snow cover, Karhu’s design honors the construction of these hallowed structures by utilizing light and color in a systematic and organized manner, echoing the subject’s formal architecture. Blocks of blue, gray, and white construct the composition and provide an astonishing sense of light filtering through. The organic shadows of trees below and the woodgrain pattern at the center of the composition animate the design and deliver a sense of depth. Though the structures depicted are highly traditional, Karhu’s design comes off as quite contemporary with a strong mid-century modern character.

Connoisseur's Note

This impression is in an exceedingly fine state of preservation. The print’s colors are as fresh and vivid as the day the work was executed. It’s quite rare to find oversized prints, such as this one, in excellent condition, as the far majority of these prints suffered from poor framing practices and light exposure.