- March, from the Hanafuda-so Series -

This striking woodblock print by renowned Japanese graphic designer and artist Kiyoshi Awazu (1929–2009) depicts cherry blossoms, the motif associated with March in the traditional Japanese hanafuda card game. Published by Adachi in 1979. Awazu was drawn to the simpler imagery of the plain kasu cards, which he saw as more elemental than cards embellished with poetry slips, birds, or animals. Here, brightly colored blossoms and red outlines stand out against a deep black background, giving the composition a festive beauty and an inward, slightly uncanny power. In the Hanafuda-sō series, Awazu uses traditional flower-card imagery as the foundation for a distinctly contemporary artistic vision. Vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and inventive arrangements bring fresh energy to familiar motifs. 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 1958 World Film Poster Competition in France and became associated with the influential Metabolism movement in 1960. Over his career, he received numerous honors for graphic design, publishing, and film art direction, including the Mainichi Industrial Design Award, recognition 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 received the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1990 and remained active in many creative fields until his death in 2009. Technique: Woodblock Paper size: 11 × 16 1/4 inches (28 × 41.3 cm) Image size: 10 1/4 × 14 3/4 inches (26 × 37.5 cm) Sheet number: N/A Date: 1979 Signature: The block signature “Kiyoshi” appears at the lower left of the image. Condition: Overall in good condition, with minor toning, a few faint spots on the top margin, and a small crease at the lower-right corner. These imperfections are barely visible and will be concealed by the mat.Overall in good condition, with minor toning and a few spots along the top margin, plus a small crease at the lower-right corner. These flaws will be concealed by the mat. *** ABOUT SHIPPING *** For Domestic Buyers Flat shipping rate (UPS 3-Day, fully insured): $23.00 However, for PO Box addresses, US military addresses (APO, AP), Hawaii, and Alaska, we will continue to use USPS Priority Mail. When you use our shopping cart and go to checkout, you will see your shipping charge. (only domestic) We are always happy to combine shipping to save your money. Please click the US flag icon for more info. For International Buyers We will send you the invoice for your shipping charge separately. When we receive your order, we will let you know your shipping charge as soon as possible. Then you will be able to choose. (Most likely about $40-$100, it varies based on size, insurance, and destination) Please click the blue icon for more info. Please ask us for your shipping quote before placing an order if you are unsure. We are happy to assist our customers anytime. Thank you.