Munakata Shiko (1903-1975) | Two sumizuri-e depicting goddesses | Showa period, 20th century

The Property of a European Collector and Thence by Descent

Munakata Shiko (1903-1975)

Two sumizuri-e depicting goddesses

Showa period, 20^th century

each a woodblock print, sumizuri-e, framed and glazed, and comprising:

- Pair of Goddesses (Sohi no saku), signed in pencil to the lower right in Japanese Shiko and in Roman script Munakata, sealed Muna, and with artist's penciled pine needles and field chrysanthemum (nogiku) marks, numbered 33/100, n.d. [blocks carved 1965]

- Goddess holding a fish, signed to the lower left in Japanese Shiko and in Roman script Munakata, sealed Shiko, dated 1957.12.8; with woodblock printed certificate of authenticity (kanteisho) by the artist's son, Munakata Pariji (1934-1998), hand-numbered in Japanese script 5,008, inscribed Munakta Shiko saku (made by Munakata Shiko), with two red seals, and signed Munakata Pariji

The first: 55 x 42 cm., 21½ x 16½ in. (excluding frame); 72 x 60 cm., 28⅜ x 23⅝ in. (including frame) 

The second: 45 x 38 cm., 17¾ x 13 in. (excluding frame); 76 x 60 cm., 30 x 23⅝ in. (including frame)