![Title unknown [four figures and four lanterns] by Sumio Kawakami — Japanese Woodblock print, ink and color on paper, May 23, 1971](https://1.api.artsmia.org/800/135993.jpg)
$500–$4,000. Common subjects: $500–$1,500. Key value factors: As an early sosaku-hanga pioneer, Kawakami's prints have historical significance. His distinctive graphic style is collected.
This 1971 print depicting four figures with four lanterns — untitled in the records — captures one of Kawakami's recurring compositional interests: the arrangement of human figures in relation to light sources, particularly the warm artificial light of lanterns against darkness. The pairing of figure and lantern created a compositional unit that Kawakami could multiply and vary: four lanterns and four figures suggest a festival or ceremonial occasion, the lights marking out a spatial and social arrangement. The lanterns' warm glow against darkness was a subject Kawakami rendered with particular affection.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Title unknown [four figures and four lanterns] was created by Sumio Kawakami (川上澄生) in May 23, 1971.
Title unknown [four figures and four lanterns] depicts figures, night scenes, and daily life.
Title unknown [four figures and four lanterns] measures 27 × 24.1 cm.
