$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.
Skunk Cabbage (Mizubasho, 水芭蕉)—the white bog arum that blooms in the wetlands and snowmelt zones of the Japanese Alps in spring, its white spathes emerging through the last snow—was one of the iconic flowers of the mountain environment Azechi celebrated. The mizubasho's emergence through melting snow, its waxy white presence in the wet margins of alpine ponds, made it a symbol of mountain spring that appeared in the folk songs and nature poetry of the regions where Azechi spent his climbing life.
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.
Skunk cabbage — みずばしょう, 水芭蕉 was created by Umetaro Azechi (畦地梅太郎).
Skunk cabbage — みずばしょう, 水芭蕉 depicts birds & flowers, spring, and mountains.
