- Warayane, Kuro (Thatched Roof, Black) -

The beautiful etching print "Warayane, Kuro" (Thatched Roof, Black) is by Ryohei Tanaka (1933–2019). This remarkable print presents a close-up view of a traditional Japanese straw-thatched roof, showcasing Tanaka's extraordinary mastery of etching. The incredibly fine rendering of each strand of straw creates a striking sense of texture, while the subtle interplay of light and shadow beautifully reveals the weathered character of the roof. Rich in atmosphere, the composition evokes the quiet simplicity of rural Japan with a gentle touch of nostalgia and melancholy.

The print is hand-numbered, hand-signed, and dated "'71" in pencil below the image. The Japanese title, "Warayane, Kuro," is also handwritten in pencil in the lower left margin.

Ryohei Tanaka was born in 1933 in Takatsuki, Osaka, and began exhibiting his etchings in 1963. He became one of Japan's most celebrated etching printmakers, admired for his extraordinarily detailed and poetic depictions of rural villages, Kyoto landscapes, and scenes from everyday life. His works are held in the collections of numerous museums in Japan and abroad, including the National Museum of Art, Osaka, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the British Museum, and the National Museum of Singapore.

His meticulous craftsmanship and deep appreciation for traditional Japanese architecture and landscapes are beautifully reflected in this exceptional work.

Technique: Etching, Aquatint 
Paper size:  15 x 11 and 7/8 inches (38 x 30 cm)
Image size: 11 and 1/2 x 9 and 1/4 inches (29 x 23.5 cm)
Sheet number: 98/100
Date: 1971
Signed: Hand-signed on the bottom margin.
Condition: Visible mat lines and toning from previous framing are present on the margins. There are also a couple of the faintest ink smudges on the right margin, which are barely noticeable. Because of these condition issues, the price has been reduced accordingly. However, all of these marks will be completely concealed with new matting and do not affect the image area. The image itself is in superb condition. New matting and framing are recommended to present the print at its best.

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