Kyoshi Nagai "The House on Pond-Side", 1972 | signed limited edition Japanese woodblock print No. 34/157

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A beautifully composed and highly collectible original Japanese woodblock print titled “The House on Pond-Side”, created by renowned Japanese printmaker Kyoshi Nagai in 1972. This scarce limited edition impression is numbered 34 from an edition of only 157, and has been hand-signed, titled, dated, and numbered in pencil by the artist.

Executed in the traditional Japanese mokuhanga (woodblock) printing technique, the composition captures the quiet elegance of a Japanese garden. A tranquil pond reflects carefully arranged stepping stones, while a traditional house and towering bamboo grove create a harmonious balance of architecture and nature. Nagai’s restrained palette of soft greens, ochres, charcoal blacks, and cool greys exemplifies the refined aesthetic that made his work internationally admired.

Presented in its original frame, this print remains in excellent condition, preserving both the freshness of the colours and the crispness of the impression. It is ready to hang and would make a sophisticated addition to any collection of Japanese prints, Mid-Century Modern interiors, or minimalist contemporary spaces.

Dimensions

• Frame: Height 56 cm × Width 64 cm × Depth 2 cm
• Inches: Height 22.0 in × Width 25.2 in × Depth 0.8 in

Condition

Excellent original condition. The print is clean with vibrant colours and is housed in its original frame.

About Kyoshi Nagai

Kyoshi Nagai (1934–2019) was one of Japan’s distinguished post-war printmakers, celebrated for his serene landscapes and architectural compositions. Working within the Sōsaku Hanga(“Creative Print”) movement, Nagai embraced the philosophy that the artist should personally design, carve, and print each work, distinguishing himself from the collaborative methods of earlier ukiyo-e production.

His prints often depict peaceful temples, gardens, bamboo groves, and traditional Japanese houses, combining modern graphic simplicity with centuries-old printing techniques. Nagai’s work has been widely exhibited internationally and is appreciated for its contemplative atmosphere, exceptional craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.

Traditional Japanese Woodblock Printing

This print was created using the traditional mokuhanga woodblock process, a technique perfected in Japan over several centuries. Separate hand-carved wooden blocks are prepared for each individual colour, with every layer meticulously aligned and hand-printed using water-based pigments and a bamboo baren. The result is a remarkable depth of colour, subtle tonal variation, and tactile surface impossible to reproduce through mechanical printing. Each impression is therefore a genuine work of art, carrying the slight individual characteristics that make traditional woodblock prints so highly prized by collectors.

With its limited edition, outstanding condition, original frame, and evocative depiction of a quintessential Japanese garden, “The House on Pond-Side” is an exceptional example of Kyoshi Nagai’s mature work and a fine acquisition for collectors of Japanese art and twentieth-century prints.

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

The print will be shipped insured overseas in a custom made wooden case. 
Cost of transport to the US, Euro 245, is case included.

Wear consistent with age and use.

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