$500–$5,000. Common mountain prints: $500–$1,500. Key value factors: Azechi's cheerful mountain prints have consistent demand. Larger and more complex compositions are most valued.
The 1954 Man with an Ice-ax shows Azechi's mountaineer carrying the primary technical tool of alpine climbing—the ice axe used for self-arrest on snow and ice slopes, for cutting steps in hard snow, and for anchoring in the event of a fall. The ice axe's specific form—a shaft with an adze and pick at the top—gave his compositions a distinctive vertical element that he exploited repeatedly, the tool's presence immediately identifying the figure as a technical climber rather than a casual walker.
1944 (printed c. 1950 from recut block?)
Color woodblock print; oban
1944 (printed c. 1950 from recut block?)
Color woodblock print; oban
1945
Color woodblock print
1961
Color woodblock print; edition 10/100
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Man with an Ice-ax was created by Umetaro Azechi (畦地梅太郎) in 1954.
Man with an Ice-ax depicts figures, snow scenes, and mountains.
Man with an Ice-ax measures 41.5 × 29.2 cm.
