- Kurama (Guardian Tigers at Kurama-dera, Kyoto) -

The beautiful wood engraving print "Kurama" (Guardian Tigers at Kurama-dera, Kyoto) is by Osamu Saito (b. 1946). The print depicts the guardian tigers of Kurama-dera Temple in Kyoto. Unlike many Japanese temples and shrines that are protected by guardian lion-dogs (komainu), Kurama-dera is known for its guardian tigers (komatora), which are regarded as the sacred messengers of Bishamonten, the Buddhist deity of protection and good fortune. According to tradition, Bishamonten appeared in the year, month, day, and hour of the tiger. As a result, tigers are revered as his sacred messengers and are believed to protect both the mountain and its worshippers.

Osamu Saito was born in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, in 1946 and began studying wood engraving independently in 1977. He has exhibited widely in Japan as well as in Norway, Spain, and the United States. Since 1981, he has participated annually in the Japan Print Association Exhibition. Among his many accomplishments, he received an award at the 4th Cadaqués International Mini Print Exhibition in 1985, exhibited at the Maastricht International Graphic Biennial in 1993, and was awarded the Prize for Excellence at the Seoul International Print Biennale in 1994. In 2001, he received the Purchase Prize at the Ostrow Wielkopolski International Print Triennial in Poland. Today, Osamu Saito is recognized as one of Japan's leading wood engraving artists.

"木口木版- "Koguchi Mokuhan" (wood engraving) is a printmaking technique that uses the end grain of hardwoods such as boxwood or camellia, cut into cross-sectional blocks. This differs from traditional Japanese woodblock printing, which generally uses planks cut along the grain. The blocks are carved using a specialized tool called a burin, allowing the artist to create exceptionally fine and intricate lines. Today, only a small number of printmakers continue to work in this highly demanding and specialized technique.

Technique: Koguchi Mokuhan (Wood Engraving)
Paper size:  8 and 1/4 x 11 and 5/8 inches (21 x 29.5 cm)
Image size: 6 and 1/2 x 9 and 1/8 inches (16.5 x 23 cm)
Sheet number: 24/30 
Date: 2006
Signed: Hand-signed on the bottom margin.
Condition: Very good condition. 

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