Iwami Reika Embossed Woodblock "Poem of Kenji A," 1993
Item Details
Iwami Reika (Japanese, 1927 – 2020)
Poem of Kenji A, 1993
Embossed woodblock on paper
Signed and dated to lower right
Numbered 13 / 100 to lower left
Labeled to verso
A horizontal woodblock print on paper featuring abstract stylized waves, a central gold leaf sun or moon, and two butterflies. The work utilizes prominent wood grain textures and metallic leaf accents characteristic of Iwami’s late-career style. Pencil signed ‘Reika Iwami’ lower right, dated ‘’93’, and numbered ‘13/100’ lower left. Titled in Kanji in the lower margin. Housed in a gilt wood frame with a black mat; verso retains a label from ‘Studio Kimura’ dated October 1995.
Artist Market: Reika Iwami remains one of the most collectible female artists of the Sōsaku-hanga movement. Her market is currently stable with a slight upward trend as interest in 20th-century Japanese women artists grows globally.
Subject Matter & Technique: Works featuring ‘Water’ (mizu) or ‘Poem’ (shi) themes are her most recognizable and sought-after subjects. The use of gold leaf and the inclusion of butterflies in this specific piece (Poem of Kenji A) adds significant ‘wall appeal,’ compared to her more monochromatic abstract works.
Edition and Condition: This piece is from a mid-sized edition (100). The presence of the original gallery label from Studio Kimura (a known purveyor of high-quality Japanese prints) provides excellent provenance. The horizontal ‘panoramic’ format is less common than her square or vertical compositions, making it a desirable find for collectors looking to diversify their holdings.
Condition
- toning and mat burn to sheet; creases and dents to upper left and right edge of sheet; some foxing and stray marks to sheet; light trapped debris to mat; accretions to glazing and frame; gilt loss and handling wear to frame; dust accumulation; surface tears to paper backing.
Dimensions
- measures frame; sight measures 22.5" W x 10.5" H.
- Item not examined outside of mounting.
- Please note: If the winning bidder selects the warehouse transfer option, the item will be available for pickup at the selected warehouse three business days after payment has been finalized.
Item #
ITMGS51368
