Kazutoshi Sugiura (Japanese, b. 1938), Iris No. 15 and Takashi Ito (Japanese, 1894-1982), Snow in Apple Orchard

Includes two woodblock prints, the first Iris No. 15 by Kazutoshi Sugiura, with a red artist seal to lower left corner of the image, in lower margin pencil written: 48/1000, Japanese Title, No. 15, K. Sugiura, 18, presented under glass with gold edge fabric mat in a gilt wood frame with rounded corners (Frame dimensions 16 1/2 x 15 in., Sight size 10 1/2 x 9 1/2 in.)(Some light foxing evident in margin; not examined outside of the frame), and the second Snow in Apple Orchard by Takashi Ito, signed to the lower right corner together with a red artist seal, a round 6 mm Watanabe seal to the lower corner of the image, presented under glass with double mats in a wooden frame with rounded corners (Frame dimensions 17 x 21 in., Sight size 9 1/4 x 14 in.)(Very good estate condition; not examined outside of the frame.)

Kazutoshi Sugiura is a distinguished contemporary Japanese printmaker renowned for his exquisite silkscreen prints that harmoniously blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. A graduate of the Kyoto Municipal College of Fine Arts in 1963, Sugiura's early promise was recognized when the International Graphic Art Society in New York commissioned him to produce an edition of silkscreen prints while he was still a student. He continued to refine his skills by studying classical Japanese painting and gold leaf restoration at the Kyoto National Museum of Antiquities which led to his artistic signature of meticulous application of gold leaf onto handmade paper before the silkscreen process. The resulting effect of this technique gives his prints a textured, three-dimensional quality, and elevates his compositions of flora, primarily irises and peonies, with rich, saturated colors and subtle washes that evoke the elegance of traditional Japanese screen paintings.

Ito Takashi was a Japanese artist renowned for his contributions to the shin hanga (new prints) movement, particularly in landscape woodblock prints. Born in Gama, Shizuoka Prefecture, he studied under Kaburagi Kiyokata and furthered his education at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, where he trained with Yuki Somei. Primarily a painter, Ito began creating color woodblock prints in 1922, collaborating with publisher Watanabe Shozaburo. He designed woodblock prints with intricate color gradations and brushstroke-like textures to depict serene and idealized landscapes. The print offered here shows how he often featured solitary human figures in grand natural settings to evoke a sense of harmony with nature and romanticize the views of the Japanese countryside.

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