In Praise of Shokei: Kawai Kanjiro's Kiln: Calling for a Messenger (the fence of...) (Shokei Sho Hanga Kan: Koshi no saku)

"In Praise of Shokei: Kawai Kanjiro's Kiln: Calling for a Messenger (the fence of...)" is one of Munakata's works honoring his close friend and fellow mingei movement figure Kawai Kanjiro (1890–1966), the celebrated potter. The Shokei (valley or gorge with a bell) may refer to Kawai's studio environment in Kyoto, and the dedication places this print within the deep friendship and mutual admiration between the two artists. Munakata's homage prints to fellow craftsmen were significant works in his output — records of the community of makers within which his own practice found its deepest context.