<b>PORTRAIT OF DR. SHIZUYA FUJIKAKE</b>Fumio Kitaoka1951<b>SOLD</b></em>
ARTIST: Fumio Kitaoka (1918-2007)
TITLE: Portrait of Dr. Shizuya Fujikake
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: 1951
DIMENSIONS: 20 1/2 x 16 3/4 inches
CONDITION: Excellent, no problems to note
LITERATURE: Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, 1993, Kitaoka Fumio no Sekai ten, pl. 33
SOLD
Details
Like so many sosaku hanga artists, Kitaoka learned the art of woodblock printmaking from Un’ichi Hiratsuka. Kitaoka was an active member of Onchi’s circle and was recognized for his prints after the resolution of the war when a foreign market opened for his work. Kitaoka was long acknowledged for his strong eye for design as well as his profound talent for woodblock carving.
In this composition, the artist highlights his penchant for black and white with a distinguished portrait of the Ukiyo-e scholar and print connoisseur Dr. Shizuya Fujikake. Beyond the illustrious credentials, Fujikake was an enthusiastic fan of sosaku hanga and championed their cause in influential artistic circles. In fact, he updated his well-known book, Japanese Woodblock Prints, published by the Japan Travel Bureau, to include many notable sosaku hanga artists, including Kitaoka. This inclusion was quite the boon, as the book was published in English and greatly contributed to the introduction of many Japanese woodblock print artists to the West.
Kitaoka’s design is the striking likeness of the scholar while also showcasing his extraordinary carving skills. The composition depicts Fujikake seated next to a traditional Japanese charcoal brazier and in front of a low table with an elaborate tablecloth and a Japanese-style book. The background features a Japanese screen, sliding door, and piece of furniture. The carving of the design is intricate but balanced, and every aspect of the composition is well thought out. Kitaoka’s design might be the best of several prints executed by sosaku hanga artists paying tribute to this champion of the arts.
Connoisseur's Note
This relatively early design was produced in 1951. The print is a self-printed impression and is executed as an artist's proof. It is interesting to note this impression retains its Kento, or registration notch, at the top left corner. Usually, this notch is removed by trimming the edge of the print.