Details

Hagiwara presents us with an abstraction of his experience of a moonlit sky. The background is printed with a rich blue that seems to contain a celestial light within. Ribbons of black and white are printed across the design, suggesting a path of moonlight, almost ribbon-like, as it meanders through space. The ribbon-like forms are lyrical and theatrical while pictorially austere. 

Connoisseur's Note

This work brings to mind the important work by Koshiro Onchi, Leaf and Clouds, 1954. Like Onchi's print, Hagiwara uses a string on the printing block to produce the beautiful pattern of moonbeams. It's interesting to note how pared down this work is compared to Onchi's design. Onchi would have approved of such an elegant and sophisticated design that is both emotionally potent and contemplative in its simplicity.