Clifton Karhu’s 1983 woodblock portrays Midorogaike pond - one of Japan’s oldest natural ponds - framed by reeds and floating islands of organic material, brimming with ancient flora, fauna and a touch of eerie folklore. 👻🏞️
- Year & Edition: 1983 · Ed. of 50 (3/50) (titled, editioned & signed in pencil to plate).
- Medium: Woodblock.
- Dimensions: Image W: 25.5 cm × H: 25.5 cm; Sheet W: 31.5 cm × H: 31.5 cm.
- Condition: Strong, vibrant colours with no fading or mat burn; clean image; few foxing spots in margins; evidence of prior tape residue verso.
- Notes: Midorogaike is famed not only for its ancient ecosystem - protected as a Natural Conservation Monument since 1988 - but also for eerie local lore. Villagers speak of white mists rising at dusk, ghostly lantern lights drifting across the water and the mournful calls of unseen frogs. By night the pond is said to echo with restless spirits, its floating islands whispered to be the staging ground for yokai gatherings under a moonlit sky.
