321 - Munakata Shikō (Japan ,1903–1975) Munakata Shikō, a single line of calligraphy reading 'Sōunshō' (Pine, Nesting in the Clouds) Munakata Shikō was a Japanese hanga (woodblock print) artist. He held the Junior Third Rank. In his final years, for approximately six months, he changed his name to Munakata Shikō (志昂). He was born in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. It was upon seeing Kawakami Sumio’s print “Shoka no Kaze” (Early Summer Wind) that he resolved to become a printmaker. From 1942 onwards, Munakata referred to his prints as “itaga” (board pictures) rather than the conventional “hanga,” consistently producing work that made full use of the character of the woodblock, an achievement for which he is known worldwide as an itaga artist.

Munakata Shikō (Japan ,1903–1975) Munakata Shikō, a single line of calligraphy reading 'Sōunshō' (Pine, Nesting in the Clouds) Munakata Shikō was a Japanese hanga (woodblock print) artist. He held the Junior Third Rank. In his final years, for approximately six months, he changed his name to Munakata Shikō (志昂). He was born in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. It was upon seeing Kawakami Sumio’s print “Shoka no Kaze” (Early Summer Wind) that he resolved to become a printmaker. From 1942 onwards, Munakata referred to his prints as “itaga” (board pictures) rather than the conventional “hanga,” consistently producing work that made full use of the character of the woodblock, an achievement for which he is known worldwide as an itaga artist. A single line of calligraphy, its brushwork bold and free, the ink line thick and rich in variation between wet and dry. The three characters “Sōunshō” are rendered in a large, boldly abbreviated script of remarkable force. L: 198.4cm W: 63cm / hanging scroll / paper Authentication：Accompanied by a certificate of authentication issued by the Munakata Shikō Authentication Committee. Japan