{"product_id":"limited-edition-japanese-woodblock-print-by-kiyoshi-nagai-early-summer-1971","title":"Limited edition Japanese woodblock print by Kiyoshi Nagai  — “Early Summer”, 1971","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKiyoshi Nagai (b. 1939) — “Early Summer”, 1971 | signed \u0026amp; numbered Japanese woodblock print (Ed. 86\/252)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA refined and quietly atmospheric 1971 woodblock print by Japanese artist Kiyoshi Nagai, titled \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarly Summer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This composition captures the contemplative essence of traditional Japanese architecture and garden design, viewed from an interior threshold framing a stepping-stone path leading into a luminous landscape. The interplay of geometric structure and organic elements—combined with a restrained yet sophisticated palette of ochre, black, soft green, and grey—creates a striking balance between modernist abstraction and timeless Japanese aesthetics.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrinted using traditional mokuhanga (woodblock) techniques, the work demonstrates Nagai’s mastery of layering, flat color planes, and subtle tonal gradation. The composition’s architectural framing draws the viewer inward, evoking a meditative transition between interior and exterior space—an enduring theme in Japanese art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHand-signed in pencil by the artist and numbered 86 from a limited edition of 252, this example remains in very good condition, with only slight creasing confined to the margins, not affecting the image.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA compelling acquisition for collectors of post-war Japanese prints, modernist works on paper, or serene interior-focused compositions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetails\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArtist: Kiyoshi Nagai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eTitle: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarly Summer\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate: 1971\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium: Traditional Japanese woodblock print (mokuhanga)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdition: 86\/252\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSignature: Signed and numbered in pencil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition: Very good; minor creases to margins\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight: 50 cm (19.7 in)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth: 32 cm (12.6 in)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout the Artist\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKiyoshi Nagai is a Japanese printmaker associated with the post-war continuation of traditional woodblock printing, often blending classical techniques with a modern sensibility. His works frequently explore architectural spaces, seasonal transitions, and the quiet poetry of everyday Japanese environments. Nagai’s prints are appreciated for their clean compositional structure and subtle emotional resonance, aligning him with the broader legacy of the shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga movements while maintaining a distinctive personal voice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Traditional Japanese Woodblock Printing (Mokuhanga)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJapanese woodblock printing, or mokuhanga, is a centuries-old technique that reached its height during the Edo period (1603–1868). Unlike Western printmaking, mokuhanga uses water-based inks and hand-carving on wood blocks, allowing for delicate color gradations (bokashi) and a uniquely soft, matte finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe process traditionally involves multiple artisans:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eartist\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e designs the image\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecarver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e cuts the design into separate woodblocks (one per color)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eprinter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e hand-applies pigments and presses paper onto the blocks\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach color layer is carefully aligned and printed sequentially, requiring extraordinary precision. This labor-intensive method results in prints that possess both technical refinement and a tactile, organic quality unmatched by mechanical reproduction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe print will be shipped insured overseas. Cost of insured transport to the US, Euro 115.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWear consistent with age and use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe are a 1stDibs platinum dealer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kiyoshi Nagai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53392226517335,"sku":null,"price":775.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0496\/5230\/1983\/files\/DSC_6949.jpg?v=1777031340","url":"https:\/\/vintageobjects.com\/products\/limited-edition-japanese-woodblock-print-by-kiyoshi-nagai-early-summer-1971","provider":"Vintage Objects","version":"1.0","type":"link"}