Karasuma Gate, Clifton Karhu

Artwork Overview

Clifton Karhu, Karasuma Gate
Clifton Karhu, Karasuma Gate
Clifton Karhu
Karasuma Gate
1989, Showa period (1926–1989)
Clifton Karhu
1927–2007
Karasuma Gate, 1989, Showa period (1926–1989)
Where object was made: Japan
Material/technique: color woodcut
Dimensions:
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 409 x 409 mm
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 16 1/8 x 16 1/8 in
Mat Dimensions (Height x Width): 25 x 20 in
Credit line: Museum purchase: Lucy Shaw Schultz Fund
Accession number: 1990.0067
Not on display
Add to portfolio

If you wish to reproduce this image, please submit an image request

Images

Label texts

Archive Label date unknown: Clifton Karhu was born in the United States (Minnesota), but since he lives in Japan and designs traditional woodblock prints, his works typically are categorized as modern Japanese prints. However, in contrast to the historical practice of ukiyo-e, Karhu carves and prints the blocks himself rather than relying on artisans. Karhu creates nostalgic scenes of a bucolic Kyoto that no longer exists, if it ever did in quite the poetic terms in which he depicts it. With their bold outlines and luminescent colors, Karhu's prints are reminiscent of stained glass windows. Here he depicts the gate on Karasuma Street, one of the major thoroughfares that run north and south in Kyoto.