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Clifton Karhu ‘House in Takaido’ Woodblock c1976 Japan
About the Item
Beautiful large scale woodblock by acclaimed artist, Clifton Karhu titled "House in Takaido" c1976. Beautifully double mat framed in metal. Karhu was based in Kyoto for most of his very successful career
Artist Clifton Karhu was born on November 23, 1927, in Duluth, Minnesota. He was raised in an artistic environment as both his parents were painters, fostering his artistic inclination. Karhu discovered his passion for drawing at the age of 12. He pursued formal art education from 1950 to 1952 at the Minneapolis Art School.
In 1963, Karhu relocated to Kyoto, known as a Japanese Mecca for the arts and the former residence of the Japanese Emperor. It was in Kyoto where Clifton developed a keen interest in woodblock prints. A year later, his initial woodblock creations were exhibited at the Yamada Gallery, marking the commencement of a successful journey as a woodblock print artist. Subsequently, numerous exhibitions showcased his work in Japan, the U.S.A., and Europe. Karhu passed away on March 24, 2007, in Kanazawa, Japan.
- Creator:Clifton Karhu (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 31.25 in (79.38 cm)Width: 33 in (83.82 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1976
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Oakland, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7361238853382
Clifton Karhu
Born in Duluth, Minnesota, Clifton Karhu was one of the most acclaimed American woodblock artists to work in Japan. Though the son of two painters and artistically inclined from an early age, Karhu joined the military. Stationed at the American Navy base in Sasebo from 1946 to 1948, he fell in love with Japan. Upon his return to the United States, he attended the Minneapolis Art School (1950-1952) before returning to Japan in 1952, this time as a missionary of the Lutheran church. From Hiroshima to Kyoto, he and his wife sold bibles until he became disillusioned with the mission. Settling in Gifu prefecture, he returned to art, working in oils and watercolor. Karhu’s reputation grew swiftly, winning first prize at the Middle Pacific Art Group Exhibition, and held his first solo exhibition at Shin Gifu Gallery. In 1963, Karhu moved to Kyoto. Immersed in the city’s vibrant artistic community, he began a successful career in woodblock printmaking. His self-carved and self-printed works portray traditional style houses and architectural details. Deeply expressive, yet precise and geometric, Karhu's style earned him enormous popularity worldwide.When asked about his medium, he states: “In Kyoto the vertical and horizontal lines of the tile roofs and the latticed windows strike a special harmony, like something alive. In my prints of Kyoto, I always strive to express this human warmth. Since wood accounts for much of Kyoto’s beauty, it may also be the best way that beauty can be expressed - through woodblock prints.”
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Lafayette, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
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