Copperplate Etching [Master, Shinichi Saito] 1983 Original Art Book "Soumatou" Limited Edition of 250

[Artist Biography]
◆Artist Name: Shinichi Saito (1922-1994)
◆Artist Biography: Born in Kurashiki City in 1922. Graduated from Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1948, and produced works while teaching at junior high and high schools in Okayama and Shizuoka. Moved to France in 1959. Became close with Tsuguharu Foujita. After returning to Japan, he created the Wandering Series with themes such as gypsies. From 1961, he visited the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions and created a series of works themed around blind traveling performers, the Goze. He also created a series themed around the pleasure quarters of the Meiji era, publishing Meiji Yoshiwara Saikenki and Ezosshi Yoshiwara Enjo, which were adapted into films and stage plays. In his later years, he focused on creating the Street Corner Series. Passed away in 1994.
Art Yearbook 2007 Edition (Valuation based on placement: ¥300,000 per oil painting unit) Art Encyclopedia 1993 Edition (¥300,000 per unit) Art Directory 2015 Edition (¥600,000 per unit)
[Work Description]
◆Work Title: Stylish Performers (from the copperplate engraving collection Soumatou)
This work is from Shinichi Saito's miniature copperplate engraving collection Soumatou (Bijutsu Shuppan-sha), released in 1983 in a limited edition of 250 copies.
The copperplate engraving collection Soumatou features scenes related to Shinichi Saito's prose poems rendered as copperplate engravings, with each work accompanied by a prose poem of the same title.
◆Technique: Etching ◆Signature: One piece from the illustrated book, unsigned (with Shinichi Saito's original seal) ◆Edition No.: Unknown / 250 ◆Image Size: 140mm x 110mm and 170mm x 80mm (slight variations may occur. Measurements are within the window frame) ◆Framed Size: 315mm x 405mm (slight variations may occur)
◆Work Condition: The artwork itself is in relatively good condition, with no significant dirt or yellowing, considering it is over 40 years old. The margins are also in good condition with no stains. (Please refer to the images)
◆Frame Condition: As this has been stored in a box for a long time, the frame has minimal scratches and dirt due to age and is generally in good condition. The matting has a good texture with a fabric surface and shows no noticeable stains or yellowing (please refer to the images). Glass is present in the front. Includes a protective box.
◆Authenticity Guarantee: authentic.
Soumatou is a collection of copperplate engravings featuring 20 original copperplate engravings carved by the artist himself, along with 20 autobiographical prose poems recalling his childhood. This work is one of those plates. It depicts memories related to a phonograph in a fairy-tale-like scene. It is a heartwarming and healing work.
Please note that the paperback book shown in the photo is for size reference only and is not included.