Kiyoshi Nagai, Early Summer, 1971, Woodblock Print

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Kiyoshi Nagai (b. 1939) — “Early Summer”, 1971 | Signed & Numbered Japanese Woodblock Print (Ed. 86/252)

A refined and … Read more Kiyoshi Nagai (b. 1939) — “Early Summer”, 1971 | Signed & Numbered Japanese Woodblock Print (Ed. 86/252)

A refined and quietly atmospheric 1971 woodblock print by Japanese artist Kiyoshi Nagai, titled Early Summer. This composition captures the contemplative essence of traditional Japanese architecture and garden design, viewed from an interior threshold framing a stepping-stone path leading into a luminous landscape. The interplay of geometric structure and organic elements—combined with a restrained yet sophisticated palette of ochre, black, soft green, and grey—creates a striking balance between modernist abstraction and timeless Japanese aesthetics.

Printed using traditional mokuhanga (woodblock) techniques, the work demonstrates Nagai’s mastery of layering, flat color planes, and subtle tonal gradation. The composition’s architectural framing draws the viewer inward, evoking a meditative transition between interior and exterior space—an enduring theme in Japanese art.

Hand-signed in pencil by the artist and numbered 86 from a limited edition of 252, this example remains in very good condition, with only slight creasing confined to the margins, not affecting the image.

A compelling acquisition for collectors of post-war Japanese prints, modernist works on paper, or serene interior-focused compositions.

Details

Artist: Kiyoshi Nagai
Title: Early Summer
Date: 1971
Medium: Traditional Japanese woodblock print (mokuhanga)
Edition: 86/252
Signature: Signed and numbered in pencil
Condition: Very good; minor creases to margins
Dimensions:
Height: 50 cm (19.7 in)
Width: 32 cm (12.6 in)
About the Artist


Kiyoshi Nagai is a Japanese printmaker associated with the post-war continuation of traditional woodblock printing, often blending classical techniques with a modern sensibility. His works frequently explore architectural spaces, seasonal transitions, and the quiet poetry of everyday Japanese environments. Nagai’s prints are appreciated for their clean compositional structure and subtle emotional resonance, aligning him with the broader legacy of the shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga movements while maintaining a distinctive personal voice.

About Traditional Japanese Woodblock Printing (Mokuhanga)


Japanese woodblock printing, or mokuhanga, is a centuries-old technique that reached its height during the Edo period (1603–1868). Unlike Western printmaking, mokuhanga uses water-based inks and hand-carving on wood blocks, allowing for delicate color gradations (bokashi) and a uniquely soft, matte finish.

The process traditionally involves multiple artisans:

The artist designs the image
The carver cuts the design into separate woodblocks (one per color)
The printer hand-applies pigments and presses paper onto the blocks
Each color layer is carefully aligned and printed sequentially, requiring extraordinary precision. This labor-intensive method results in prints that possess both technical refinement and a tactile, organic quality unmatched by mechanical reproduction.

Colors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings. This piece has an attribution mark,
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