<b>DEMBOIN, ASAKUSA</b> / Unichi Hiratsuka1957<b>SOLD</b></em>

Details

A master of black and white compositions, Hiratsuka presents a striking view of the temple garden at Demboin in Asakusa, Tokyo. The composition features a stone path that cuts through the center of the composition leading the viewer deeper into the design. The stone lantern anchors the composition at the right and ushers the meandering eye back onto the path that leads to the temple structure at the far left of the composition. The design's stark black and white constitution is striking and contemplative. Although austere, its potency lies in its simplicity and invites the viewer to linger.

Connoisseur's note

This design was executed in 1957, a few years before the artist left Tokyo for an extended stay in the United States. As is the case with all Hirastuka's work, this print was entirely self-directed—conceived, carved, and printed by the artist himself. The composition's varying textures showcase the artist's ease with carving and printing his own designs. The quiet simplicity of this design, in concert with the potency of the black and white tonality of the composition, gives this work a potency that was the hallmark of this Sosaku Hanga artist.