Saito Kiyoshi Art for Sale: Prints & Originals

Saito
Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Saitō was a Modernist printmaker, knwon for his contributions to the Sōsaku Hanga movement. His prints are characterised by their graphic flatness. If you're looking for original Kiyoshi Saitō prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network's most in-demand works.

Biography

Saitō was born on April 27, 1907, in Aizubange, Fukushima, Japan. He emerged as a prominent figure in the Sōsaku Hanga movement, which emphasised the artist's complete involvement in the creation process—from drawing and carving to printing. This approach marked a departure from traditional printmaking, where roles were often divided among various workers. Saitō's early exposure to the scenic beauty of his home province influenced his approach, leading him to explore the interplay of nature and human emotion.

Throughout his career, Saitō created works that celebrated the natural beauty of his homeland. His renowned woodblock print series Winter in Aizu exemplifies this approach, capturing the serene, snow-laden landscapes of his hometown in Fukushima Prefecture. Spanning over five decades, from 1938 to 1994, this series reflects Saitō’s affection for Aizu’s winters. Among the most celebrated pieces is his 1940 woodcut Winter in Aizu, which depicts a solitary figure traversing a snowy expanse, its stark contrasts of black and white evoking the stillness and emotional depth of the atmosphere.

Saitō's career flourished in the post-war period when he began to receive global recognition. In 1951, he was awarded first prize at the São Paulo Biennale for his print Steady Gaze.

Saitō's innovative techniques set him apart from his contemporaries. He manipulated woodblock printing methods, incorporating textures and patterns that enhanced the visual depth of his prints. His experimentation with wood grain and colour layering contributed to the distinctive graphic quality that defines his oeuvre.

On 14 November 1997, Saitō died on November 14, 1997.

Throughout his career, Saitō constantly pushed the boundaries of woodblock printing. His earlier works in the 1950s focused on bold, flat areas of colour and simplified forms, reflecting the trends of abstraction while staying rooted in realism. However, during the 1960s, Saitō faced a creative crisis that led him to experiment with new techniques, including collagraph printing and bokuga (sumi ink painting). This period of exploration allowed him to integrate nuanced textures and shadow gradations into his prints, culminating in the 1970s with works that displayed profound depth and spirituality, such as his depictions of ancient Buddha statues and Kyoto architecture.
Saito’s hometown of Aizu remained a source of inspiration throughout his life. His Winter in Aizu series, which he worked on for nearly 60 years, epitomises his connection to the region. These prints depict quiet, snow-laden landscapes imbued with poetic simplicity and human warmth. Early works from the series feature stark contrasts between light and dark, while later pieces reveal a mastery of shading and subtle detail, capturing the quiet resilience of life in rural Japan. Saito’s depictions of Aizu serve as heartfelt tributes to the region that shaped his artistic identity.

Saito
Kiyoshi