Reika Iwami Japanese Signed Limited Ed Woodblock Tranquility of Water Banquet B

Description

Reika Iwami (Japanese, 1927-2020), framed woodblock print, Water Banquet B (or possibly Tranquility of Water). Limited edition 43/50, titled, signature, … more Reika Iwami (Japanese, 1927-2020), framed woodblock print, Water Banquet B (or possibly Tranquility of Water). Limited edition 43/50, titled, signature, and date 1976 in pencil at base. Black frame measures 23 1/4" x 18", woodblock measures 17" x 12"

10714-184

As found on Artelino:

Reika Iwami is a renowned figure in modern Japanese printmaking. Her artistry is esteemed across prestigious art museums in the USA, Japan, and the UK, where her works have found a place in their esteemed collections.

Reika Iwami was born in Tokyo in 1927. During her formative years, she attended art classes at the Tokyo Bunka Gakuin Art College while apprenticing under the tutelage of Hori Ryujo (1897–1984), a prominent doll maker. Graduating from Bunka Gakuin Art College in 1955, Iwami was introduced to the medium of woodblock prints and was significantly influenced by renowned sosaku hanga artists such as Koshiro Onchi, Junichiro Sekino, and Takumi Shinagawa. Beginning in 1953, she exhibited her woodblock prints regularly, both within and outside Japan, after her first exhibition with the Nihon Hanga Koyokai artist association.

In 1957, Reika Iwami co-founded the Joryu Hanga Kyokai association, a group dedicated to female printmakers. Her works featured prominently in major Japanese and international print exhibitions like CWAJ (College Women Association of Japan) and numerous prestigious print biennials.

Reika Iwami passed away in 2020, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the realm of Japanese printmaking.

Reika Iwami's artistic oeuvre distinctly showcases a preference for monochromatic tones, often avoiding vivid colors. Her artistry prominently features the application of gold and silver elements along with exquisite embossing techniques, defining the hallmark of her evocative style. less