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Directory: Fine Art: Prints: Woodcuts: Pre 1970: Item # 1486361

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Dmitry Levit Asian Art
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Artist’s proof of two sumo wrestlers titled KOTOZAKURA by Clifton Karhu. The print is perfectly rectangular - any distortions of the paper are from photography. An artist's proof is a print that is set aside as a reference by the artist and usually marked AP rather than being numbered and included in the main edition. Kotozakura Masakatsu (1940 – 2007) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler who made his professional debut in 1959, reaching the top division in 1963. After several years at the second highest rank of ozeki, in 1973 he was promoted to become the 53rd yokozuna. Clifton Karhu (1927 – 007) was an American artist who settled in Japan after serving there in the U.S. military during WW II and returning as a missionary. He became internationally renowned for his woodblock prints which he began making in the early 1960s and produced until his death. Karhu was known for using traditional Japanese printmaking methods, became the first foreign member of the Japan Print Association, and Japanese media began to describe him as being "more Japanese than a Japanese”. Excellent bold colorful design, thick handmade Japanese paper, in superb condition. Signed in pencil by the artist, dated 69, titled and marked AP. Print size 15.5 x 9 inches, paper size 17.5 x 11.5 inches