Clifton W. Karhu (1927-2007): Hongkong Boats II, 6/100, 1969

This limited edition woodblock print was purchased in Kyoto in November 1970 according to our mother’s note on the original folio from the Ashiya Gallery.  
 
We believe it is in near original condition, the sheet edges showing pinhole marks along the upper edge, minor crumpling, some discoloration, and a hole to the left of the image (which may have been as it came). The printed image itself appears untouched. Below the image is the limited edition number 6/100, the title, the artist’s signature, and the year ’69.
 
Clifton W. Karhu was an American artist who moved to Kyoto and became one of the few to gain fame for his Japanese woodblock prints. He first lived in Japan when with the US Navy, then returned as a door-to-door missionary, only to decide in 1958 that his real calling was as an artist. He started with oil paintings and watercolors. In 1964, he made his debut as a woodblock printer.
 
According to artelino.com: Clifton Karhu's woodblock prints were typically limited editions, hand-signed by the artist. A standard edition size is about 100 copies, with prices starting at USD 1,000. 
 
Sheet H 7 1/4” x L 11 1/4”
Print with signature H 6 1/4” x L 10”
 
Note: We will be speaking to an auction house about this piece.
 
Disclaimer: We have tried to make sure colors shown in photos are representative of the real colors of each item. We have tried to identify all imperfections in descriptions, but we may have missed some. If you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know.