Untitled (shiko-munakata)

This black-and-white woodblock print shows a single seated figure rendered in bold, solid black against the unprinted paper, wearing an ornate crown or headdress and large circular earring, with one hand raised toward the head. The figure is framed by dense, carved patterns of curling vines, pointed leaves, and small flowers filling the background, with a smaller face-like form nestled near the figure's torso. A red seal stamp and brushed characters appear in the lower right and left margins; the overall effect is dense, graphic, and almost totemic in mood. Shiko Munakata, 1957, woodblock print.