Munakata Shiko (1903-1975) | Three woodblock prints from the series In Praise of Shokei, the Kiln of Kawai Kanjiro (Shokeisho) | Showa period, 20th century

Munakata Shiko (1903-1975)

Three woodblock prints from the series In Praise of Shokei, the Kiln of Kawai Kanjiro (Shokeisho)

Showa period, 20^th century

each a woodblock print, sumizuri-e, with hand-applied colour to the back of the sheet, from the series In Praise of Shokei, the Kiln of Kawai Kanjiro (Shokeisho), sealed Muna, 1945, framed and glazed, and comprising:

- Shells (Kaizoku no saku)

- The Open-mouthed King (A-o no saku); with woodblock-printed certificate of authenticity (kanteisho) by the artist's son, Munakata Pariji (1934-1998), hand-numbered in Japanese script 2512 and inscribed Munakata Shiko saku (made by Munakata Shiko), with two red seals, and signed Munakata Pariji,

- The Closed-mouthed King (Un-o no saku) with woodblock-printed certificate of authenticity (kanteisho) by the artist's son, Munakata Pariji (1934-1998), hand-numbered in Japanese script 2513 and inscribed Munakata Shiko saku (made by Munakata Shiko), with two red seals, and signed Munakata Pariji,

The first: 50.1 x 36.4 cm., 19¾ x 14⅜ (the print); 84 x 67 cm., 33 x 26⅜ in. (including frame)

The second: 49.8 x 36.2 cm., 19½ x 14¼ in. (excluding frame); 82.3 x 68.7 cm., 32⅜ x 27 in. (including frame)

The third: 49.8 x 36.2 cm., 19½ x 14¼ in. (excluding frame); 82.3 x 68.7 cm., 32⅜ x 27 in. (including frame)