Modern | Sōsaku Hanga Mezzotint
Kaoru Saito’s 1980 mezzotint “ランプと貝殻 (Lamp & Seashells)” presents a surreal still life. A glass oil lamp dominates the scene, its base enclosing a reclining nude figure, while seashells and petals rest on a patterned cloth below. Behind, heavy drapery falls into shadow. Saito uses the velvety contrasts of mezzotint to combine domestic object and dreamlike imagery with striking precision. 🕯️🐚
- Year & Edition: 1980 · Ed. of 80 (46/80) (signed & editioned in pencil to plate; titled & dated in pencil to margin).
- Medium: Mezzotint.
- Dimensions: Sheet H: 36.00 cm × W: 34.00 cm; Image H: 18.75 cm × W: 18.00 cm.
- Condition: Beautiful; image face unblemished; paper crisp & intact. Minor soiling outer margin.
- Notes: The oil lamp, with a nude figure encased within, is paired with seashells and drapery to form one of Saito’s still life compositions. The contrast of domestic object and human form reflects his interest in surreal juxtapositions, while the mezzotint’s rich tonal depth lends the scene a quiet, theatrical mood.
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