Key value factors: As self-carved and self-printed works, sosaku-hanga value is tied to the artist's reputation and edition size. Larger formats, earlier editions, and historically significant works command the highest prices.
A whimsical woodblock print depicting a blowfish lantern, part of a numbered series by Norikane Hiroto. The fugu lantern is a familiar sight in Japanese streetscapes, particularly outside restaurants specializing in the delicacy. By isolating the lantern as a subject, Norikane transforms a commonplace commercial sign into something arresting and slightly surreal. The rounded, inflated form of the blowfish lends itself well to bold outlines and flat color areas typical of woodblock printing, and the numbered edition format suggests a sequence exploring variations on this single iconic shape.
Blow Fish Lantern No.8 was created by Norikane Hiroto (乗兼広人).
Blow Fish Lantern No.8 depicts fish, daily life, and animals.
