Nishijima Katsuyuki – 西嶋勝之 (b. 1945) – Miyawaki Baisenan – 宮脇賣扇庵

If you’re wandering the streets of Kyoto and you’re really, really lucky, you might spot Nishijima-san sitting on the side of a road or laneway, painting a historical property. When he’s finished, he will then make tracings of it, paste the tracings onto specially selected boards of properly aged cherry wood, carve the blocks necessary, and then hand print his pieces one colour at a time. Such is the process of this elder statesman of the world of Kyoto woodblock prints. This piece depicts one of Japan’s top fan stores, which was established in 1823. We can say this with complete sincerity because the Imperial Household has been purchasing fans here for many years. A very well written story about the store by New York Times contributor Amanda Mayer Stinchecum can be read here. The final photo shows the verso saturation into the strong, hand-made washi paper.

7.5″ x 10.5″ (image size) – Excellent condition. Comes in the original folder with artist notes.  – $225 – Price includes shipping worldwide! Comes with a signed and sealed document of authenticity. All prices in Canadian dollars. In-store purchase discount – $25 off!