Bridge in the Valley — Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print by Fujita Fumio, 1985

Art is exempt from all U.S. import tariffs but please, do check.

This exceptional 1985 Japanese woodblock print, Bridge in the Valley, by Fujita Fumio, is a contemplative and beautifully resolved landscape that exemplifies the enduring strength of traditional Japanese printmaking in the postwar era. Quiet in mood yet architecturally strong in composition, the work reflects Fujita’s mastery of line, texture, and layered color.

The scene unfolds within a secluded mountain valley, where steep, patterned slopes converge toward a central bridge spanning a rocky riverbed. The interplay between natural forms and human intervention is subtle and poetic: the bridge does not dominate the landscape but exists in harmony with it, reinforcing a sense of balance and timelessness. Fujita’s use of deeply saturated greens, softened by muted earth tones and pale stone textures, creates a restrained palette that feels both meditative and visually rich.

Executed using traditional Japanese woodblock techniques, the print displays meticulous carving and precise registration. The layered printing reveals fine surface textures, particularly in the rocky foreground and the striated mountainsides, where repeated geometric cuts suggest foliage, shadow, and depth. These tactile qualities reward close viewing and underscore the artist’s technical discipline.

This work belongs to a limited edition of only 150 impressions, with this example numbered 11/150, dated 1985, and signed by the artist in pencil, a detail that enhances both its authenticity and desirability among collectors. The presence of the original passe-partout further preserves the print’s clean presentation and emphasizes its strong vertical format.

Fujita Fumio’s landscapes are admired for their ability to bridge tradition and modernity. While firmly rooted in classical Japanese aesthetics—particularly the legacy of shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga—his work also speaks to a modern sensibility through its graphic clarity and calm abstraction. As such, Bridge in the Valley works equally well in a traditional collection of Japanese prints or in a contemporary interior, where its disciplined composition and natural palette bring quiet authority to a space.

This print is an excellent choice for collectors seeking authentic, signed Japanese woodblock prints, as well as for designers and architects looking for a refined statement piece that conveys craftsmanship, serenity, and cultural depth. Works by Fujita Fumio remain relatively scarce outside Japan, making this a compelling opportunity to acquire a signed, limited-edition example from a respected postwar artist.

Height 64 x Width 46 cm - 25.196 x 18.110 inches frame excluded.

The print will be shipped insured overseas. Cost of insured transport to the US, Euro 145.

Colors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings.

Wear consistent with age and use.