Sadao Watanabe - ルツ物語 (The Story of Ruth (Large))
Title: ルツ物語 (The Story of Ruth).
Artist: Sadao Watanabe (1913-1996).
Signed & Dated: Signed in lower right "Sadao Watanabe". Dated 1958(-4).
Medium: Stencil print on washi/paper.
Paper Size: Approx H: 146.50cm x L: 89.00cm.
Condition: As one of Watanabe’s early works - his prints were typically still printed on Washi/paper before beginning to transition toward momigami around this time. As such, condition is appropriate for it’s age & medium. Due to its sheer size, the print was produced by joining two papers together - attributing to the mid horizontal fold/seam. Please refer to photos / Contact for any further questions & condition report.
Notes: The Story of Ruth: Sadao Watanabe’s first largely acclaimed and defining piece of his career - claiming both the first national Folk Art Museum award in 1947 and the renowned Kokugakai award from the Japanese Print Association in 1948. Endorsed & praised by his mentor Keisuke Serizawa; as Watanabe’s work became ever more in demand over the subsequent years, it is likely Watanabe sold the remaining prints from his 1947 run, or made additional copies, dating them for sale in 1958.
A true masterpiece and one of Watanabe’s largest ever prints. This piece is arguably Watanabe’s most important & defining pieces.- setting the cornerstone of success for his career & life ahead. Once mounted, this piece is of great visual curiosity as your eye attempts to reads through the narrative, emaki, imagery. This piece is very large and will fill a large space/wall fabulously.
BIBLIOGRAPHY/ARTICLES:
Watanabe, S. & Bowden, S. (2012) Beauty given by grace: the biblical prints of Sadao Watanabe. Baltimore, MD, Square Halo Books.
The SadaoHanga Catalogue: https://www.sadaohanga.info/home - Compiled by Mr Jan J. Catsburg. The SadaoHanga Catalogue presents the most comprehensive & complete public catalogue of momigami works by Sadao Watanabe.
