Haku Maki - Persimmon 81-10 (柿 B)

Modern | Sōsaku Hanga Woodblock Print

Haku Maki’s 1981 embossed woodblock print Persimmon 81-10 (柿 B) presents a lone persimmon (kaki 柿) hanging from a lacquer-enhanced branch & leaves, their embossed textures gleaming against a velvety matte black backdrop, while the fruit’s smooth, glossy surface provides a striking contrast. 🍊

• Year & Edition: 1981 · Persimmon 81-10 (柿 B) · Ed. 14/190.
• Series: Persimmons: 1971-1981. A beloved autumn fruit; Maki takes the persimmon (kaki 柿), to produce elegant, pure, hand embossed compositions. Adorning elements with urushi lacquer and printing against starkly contrasting black - occasionally white - backgrounds, Maki’s Persimmon pieces elicit a particular premium feel to his pieces. With evidence to suggest Maki book-ended the theme with exclusive prints produced in 1971 & 1981 - to include further refined black, textured, leathery/velvety backgrounds - Maki’s Persimmon prints typically attract greater market values.
• Medium: Embossed Woodblock.
• Dimensions: Sheet H: 46.75 cm × W: 31.75 cm.
• Condition: Fabulous; deep black field intact, minor foxing to margin and tape residue verso.
• Notes: A fabulous example of Haku Maki’s use of urushi lacquer in his Persimmon prints - bringing a shine to the embossed leaf elements. A piece produced in 1981 - one of Maki’s special Persimmon prints & example of his refined textured/leathery/velvety background pieces that book-ended the theme. 👁️✨

About the Artist

Haku Maki (1924-2000) was an influential Japanese printmaker known for merging traditional kanji and ancient Chinese seal scripts with abstract, modern compositions. A self-taught artist and wartime survivor, Maki gained international acclaim through innovative cement-relief embossing techniques and vibrant colours. His distinctive works - including series like Poem, Persimmons, and Festive Wine - are celebrated globally, combining deep cultural resonance with contemporary abstract aesthetics. [ ← View All Works by Haku Maki]