- February From the ’Hanafuda-sō II' series -

The striking woodblock print “2 Gatsu” (February) from the Hanafuda-sō II series is by renowned Japanese graphic designer and artist Kiyoshi Awazu (1929–2009). Published by Adachi in 1982, the print is beautifully printed on cream-colored paper and reinterprets the traditional February Hanafuda card motif of a plum tree and bush warbler through a bold, modern design. Awazu transforms this familiar subject with vivid, unconventional colors and a striking graphic sensibility, creating an image that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.

In the Hanafuda-sō series, Awazu uses the imagery of Hanafuda, the traditional Japanese flower card game, as a foundation for his artistic expression. Characterized by vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and inventive arrangements of motifs, the series successfully merges traditional iconography with contemporary graphic design. The result is a fresh and highly distinctive artistic vision. Examples from this series have become increasingly difficult to find.

Born in Tokyo in 1929, Awazu first gained national recognition in 1955 when he received the Nissenbi Award at the Japan Advertising Art Exhibition. He later won the Grand Prize at the World Film Poster Competition in France in 1958 and became associated with the influential Metabolism movement in 1960. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards for graphic design, publishing, and film art direction, including the Mainichi Industrial Design Award, honors at the International Poster Biennale in Warsaw, the Grand Prix at the Most Beautiful Books in the World exhibition, and the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Art Direction. Widely regarded as one of Japan’s most influential postwar graphic designers, he was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1990. Awazu remained active across a broad range of creative fields until his passing in 2009 at the age of 80.

Technique: Woodblock
Paper size: 10 and 5/8 x 15 and 1/2 inches (27 x 39 cm)
Image size: 9 and 3/4 x 14 and 1/4 inches (25 x 36 cm)
Sheet number: 46/100
Date: 1982
Signed: The print is hand-signed "Kiyo Awazu" in pencil along the left edge of the image. The block signature "Kiyoshi" appears in the lower right corner.
Condition: Overall in good condition. Traces of removed tape are visible on the verso at the upper and lower left edges. Please refer to the photos for details.

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