Cancer, from the Zodiac Series, Shôwa period, circa 1973

This circa 1973 Shôwa-period edition of Cancer from the Zodiac series demonstrates Kurosaki's systematic approach to the twelve-sign cycle. By the early 1970s, Kurosaki had developed a mature formal language in which geometric blocks of color—rectangles, wedges, arcing segments—carry the expressive weight previously borne by line and representational form. Cancer's curved, self-protective symbolism may register through enclosed oval or circular forms set against harder geometric counterparts. The print was made using multiple carved cherry-wood or shina plywood blocks, each inked separately and pressed onto Japanese washi with a baren to achieve the characteristic flat, matte ink surface of his work. This period saw Kurosaki exhibiting internationally and receiving recognition at major European and American print competitions.