Hanga
Candle (1) by Kaoru Kawano — Japanese Woodblock print

Candle (1)

by Kaoru Kawano

Medium:
Woodblock print
Source:
Ohmi Gallery
Image courtesy of
Ohmi Gallery

Description

A candle subject in Kawano's hands likely functions as a study in concentrated light against darkness — a compositional problem well suited to the sosaku-hanga approach, where the printmaker controls every stage of carving and printing. The flame would be rendered through careful management of graduated bokashi or flat color fields, isolating a warm luminous form against a deeply pigmented background. Such prints belonging to interior or still-life subjects were less common in Kawano's output than his figure work, making this an interesting departure. The carved outlines defining the candle form would reflect the direct, confident mark-making that distinguishes sosaku-hanga from commercial reproduction printing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Candle (1) was created by Kaoru Kawano (川野薫).