Closed Forms II: tou
In 1977, Mitsui Katsui held his solo exhibition "Closed Forms" at Galerie Watari (the predecessor of the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art), and at that time he presented a series of prints (silkscreens) with the same name as the exhibition title. The group of works showing infinite hues in geometric forms is an art piece born from a unique conceptualization by Katsui, who was involved in the creation of the DIC color guide. This series, which is a sequel to the "Closed Forms" series, carries on the concept of the previous work, but makes a complete change from the seemingly futuristic vivid colors to a stoic yet captivating black gradation created by Japanese paper and ink. This series also shows Katsui's strong interest in textures such as the soft texture of Japanese paper and the lacquer-like luster of ink. It is the perfect combination of sophisticated design and fine craftsmanship. The late Keizaburo Yamaguchi, an ukiyo-e researcher, said that he felt "the brilliance of illumination" and "a stateliness that sinks deep into one's heart" from this group of works.
Quantity:
| Size/Weight | Image Size: 30.0 × 26.0 cm |
| Material | Paper: Echizen Kizuki Hosho Washi made by Living National Treasure, Ichibei Iwano |
| Feature | Type of print: Woodcut print |
Based on the belief that not only the reproduction of historic ukiyo-e but also the production of “contemporary ukiyo-e” is essential to pass on traditional woodcut printing techniques to future generations, in 1979, the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints produced and published a collection of original woodcut prints entitled “Japanese Woodcut Prints Today” with the concept of “encounter between traditional woodcut prints and contemporary artists.” “Japanese Woodcut Prints Today” is the foundation of Adachi Institute's recent collaborations with contemporary artists from both home and abroad and its production of original woodcut prints.
The project received the support of five designers and illustrators then working on the frontlines of their fields – Kiyoshi Awazu, Mitsuo Katsui, Ikko Tanaka, Shoji Yamafuji and Makoto Wada – who worked with the artisans at the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints to produce original woodcut prints. The completed works were shown at the exhibition “Japanese Woodcut Prints Today” held at the Riccar Museum (present day Hiraki Ukiyo-e Foundation) and garnered a great deal of attention.
Together with Mitsuo Katsui, who has been a leader in the Japanese graphic design world for over half a century, we have created a highly experimental work "Closed Forms II," with six designs that challenge the limits of traditional woodcut printing techniques.
The order for domestic destination(inside of Japan) is shipped by Yamato Transport and international destination (outside of Japan) is shipped by either FedEx or Japan Post's EMS (Express Mail Service).
Domestic Shipping (Inside of Japan)
Yamato Transport Co., Ltd.
You can choose the delivery date and time window. Shipping fee is 700 yen for any destination inside of Japan.
<Free Shipping Service>*Domestic destination only
Free Shipping is available when a total of purchase is over 50,000 yen (for one destination) .
If you would like to choose the delivery date and time window, please fill the column of "Request of Delivery Date". Please note that only the date five business day after your order can be chosen and also this service might be canceled under some circumstances. Please ask us for details.
International Shipping (outside of Japan)
FedEx
Delivery dates are varied depending on the destination countries and areas.
EMS international shipping service may be used for the area which has no or limited FedEx delivery.
Actual shipping fee will be charged for the international delivery. (No free shipping over 50,000 yen purchase is applied for the international shipping.)
*No shipping is available on weekends.
Estimated Fee and delivery time
Area A : East Asia / Southeast Asia
Area B : North America / Indonesia
Area C : Europe / Middle East
Area D : Australia / New Zealand
Area E : South America / Africa / Other Areas
| Area | Delivery time | 1-5 Unframed Prints | One Framed Print |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 3-6Days | ¥3,600 | 5,300 |
| B | 4-6Days | ¥4,000 | ¥6,000 |
| C | 4-7Days | ¥4,400 | ¥7,000 |
| D | 4-7Days | ¥6,500 | ¥8,000 |
| E | 4-7Days | ¥7,500 | ¥13,500 |
*Please read notes about international shipping
Customs
Please note that the customs may be charged to the consignee during the international shipping process. The customs' manner and fee are various depending on the country where the delivery destination is and the purchaser is required to be responsible for anything regarding customs. The purchaser is considered to agree with being responsible for customs when you place an order.
*FedEx offers the service to charge the custom to a purchaser (not a consignee) after the fee is fixed for the destination country. This service is useful when you would like to ship the item as a gift and do not want the consignee to pay for the custom. Please request us if you would like to use this service.
Adachi's Philosophy and Mission
At Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints, we create attractive works that are in keeping with the times while maintaining the basics of traditional woodcut printing techniques.
Adachi's Meticulous Quality and Materials
At Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints, we use carefully selected materials and tools to bring out the original beauty of woodcut prints to the fullest.
Traditional Techniques and Adachi's Artisans
The production of ukiyo-e, which developed as a commercial printing method, focused on efficiency and profitability. And so, all processes are streamlined and sophisticated. We will introduce the basics of ukiyo-e techniques.
