Chushingura I 8/50

Date:: 1967
Medium:: Woodblock print
Format:: Oban
Source:: robynbuntin

Typical Price

Early Karhu work (pre-1970) in excellent condition: $1,000–$3,000
Fine early composition: $500–$1,500
Standard early impression: $200–$600

Description

The first panel of Karhu's Chushingura series, made in 1967, depicts a scene from the famous story of the forty-seven ronin — the loyal samurai who avenged their lord's death in one of Japanese history's most celebrated tales of duty and sacrifice. The series reflects Karhu's early engagement with traditional Japanese narrative subjects, before he turned exclusively to contemporary architectural landscapes. Edition 8 of 50, the print demonstrates the bold, graphic clarity of his early woodblock style.