This small-format aizuri-e (blue-printed) view of Nara Park represents an unusual technique in Kasamatsu's output. The limited blue palette references a traditional Edo-period printing style. Watanabe lifetime editions of this smaller format piece sell for $600-$1,800. The distinctive blue tonality and compact size make it a conversation piece in any collection.
Nara Park appears in this small-format aizuri-e — a blue-ground print using the indigo-dominated palette that gave the format its name — with deer and perhaps the silhouette of Todaiji or a torii gate rendered in tones of blue and grey rather than full color. The aizuri-e (blue print) format was a traditional variant that Kasamatsu revived as part of his exploration of historical printing techniques alongside his more typical full-color work. The small scale and limited palette give the composition an intimate, almost sketch-like quality.
伏見稲荷
Woodblock print
c. 1832/38
Color woodblock print; oban
Woodblock print
Uji Byodoin no ichibu
1921
Color woodblock print; oban
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Nara Park (small aizuri-e) was created by Shiro Kasamatsu (笠松紫浪).
Nara Park (small aizuri-e) uses Bokashi, Nishiki-e, and Moku-hanga, on woodblock print.
Nara Park (small aizuri-e) was published by Watanabe Shozaburo.
Nara Park (small aizuri-e) depicts temples & shrines, gardens, and animals, set at Nara.
