Saito Print Appraisal

Kiyoshi Saito Woodblock Print 'Two Vases and a Face' (Maiko)

This is a mid-century modern woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Kiyoshi Saito (1907-1997). The artwork features a horizontal composition on a black ground, depicting two stylized ceramic vessels to the left and a haniwa-style or Maiko head on the right. The color palette is characteristic of Saito's Sōsaku-hanga style, utilizing earthy ochre, warm browns, cream, and deep black. The print exhibits intricate wood grain textures, particularly visible in the large vase and the striped facial details, which were achieved through the artist's masterful use of the wood block's natural surface. This piece is signed 'Kiyoshi Saito' in white ink on the lower left of the print surface, with additional pencil notations for the title and edition number (appearing to be 5/50) in the lower margin. The print is housed in a contemporary silver-toned metal frame with a wide, off-white fabric-textured mat. Condition-wise, the frame shows some visible surface scuffing and minor oxidation. The matting appears original but exhibits some light vertical toning consistent with age. The print itself appears to be in good stable condition with vibrant ink saturation, though it has not been examined out of the frame for potential foxing or adhesive residue on the reverse. This work likely dates from the 1950s or 1960s, reflecting the post-war Japanese print movement's blend of traditional techniques and modern abstraction.