Shiko Munakata. 1903-1975.
February -- Orchid. (Nigatsu - Ranjo no saku). 1956. Woodcut with hand-applied color from the verso. Kodansha vol.9 No.125. 17 x 13 (sheet 18 1/4 x 21 1/2). Series: Calendar in the Mood of the Tea Ceremony. Signed in pencil "Munakata" and sealed in red Hogan Muna Siko -- sumizuri-e. On the full sheet with deckle edges. Good original condition with bright, fresh colors. Housed in an elegant 20 x 26-inch gold leaf frame. $8,000
A woodcut calendar of tweleve images was made for the Urasenke tea ceremony school, which reproduced one image each month in its magazine Tanko. Most of the months, including February, are represented by examples from nature traditionally associated with the season. Illustrated: Sori Yangai, The Woodblock and the Artist. The Life and Works of Shiko Munakata.
