- Gyoson no Onna (A Woman of the Fishing Village) -

The striking woodblock print “Gyoson no Onna” (A Woman of the Fishing Village) by Fumio Kitaoka (1918–2007), printed in 1967, presents a quiet yet powerful scene from a coastal village.

An elderly woman, shaped by years of labor, moves with calm focus and extraordinary skill. Her gestures are swift and precise, honed through a lifetime of repetition. It is a familiar and deeply human moment—one often glimpsed in fishing villages, yet rarely observed so closely.

Rendered in a restrained palette, the composition reveals an astonishing sensitivity to detail, from the subtle textures of her clothing to the fine lines etched into her face. The wood grain in the background also adds a touch of warmth. Through this intimate portrayal, one senses the artist’s profound respect and admiration. This is a work of warmth, dignity, and quiet strength. This rare and hard-to-find impression is an artist’s proof, titled in Japanese, and signed and dated in pencil along the lower margin.

Technique: Woodblock
Paper size: 19 x 24 and 7/8 inches (48 x 63 cm)
Image size: 15 and 3/4 x 21 and 1/2 inches (40 x 54.5 cm)
Sheet number:Artist Proof
Date: 1967
Signed: Hand-signed in pencil by the artist on the bottom margin.
Condition: Overall, it is in good condition for its age, with toning and a visible mat line on the margins from previous framing. Very minor creases on the margins, as well as tape residues/stains on the edges of the verso. The price has been slightly reduced to reflect these minor details. Please refer to the photos. The image area itself is superb.
* Handmade Japanese washi paper may contain bark bits or natural impurities.

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