HAHA KO ZOH: STATUE OF MOTHER MARIA AND THE HOLY CHILD. [A CHRISTIAN THEME]

[Tokyo ? undated ca. 1975-1980]. A color etching, on large stiff paper, sheet: 32.7 x 41.7 print: 17.5 x 24.3 cm., fine & brilliant example, no issues,artist's pencil signed title, limitation 23/50 & signature. FIRST & ONLY RARE EDITION . *** **** *** . . A STUNNING FEAST FOR THE EYES , . . A SUPERB COLOR ETCHING [OR MEZZOTINT] . . . HAHA KO ZOH: STATUE OF MOTHER MARIA AND THE HOLY CHILD . . *** This is a stunning view of the Holy Mother and Child. One of Shibuya's most impressive images. . The print is pencil signed, titled and the limitation noted number 23 of 50 examples. . The print is poly-chrome, giving an impressive image of the duo. Exquisitely executed with a 'stained-glass' background effect. . *** THE ARTIST SHIBUYA Eiichi [1928-2011]: . He utilized etching [often mezzotint] as a medium with graceful, slender female figures, who emerge from linear tangles and swirls. . He utilized many varied colors and lines to unify his prints, his work seems both fanciful and faithful, portraits of moods rather than scenes. See Blakemore below. . He was a member of the Japan Print Assn. and studied abroad. His average edition was approximately between 50 and 70 pencil numbered, signed and titled copies. . All examples are strictly the FIRST & ONLY EDITIONS, he never reprinted any prints, rather choosing to destroy the original plate, after each print was completed. . NOTE: At the bottom of the print is the artist's very fine line pencil limitation statement [23/50], title HAHA KO ZOH, with the artist's signature, it is therefore very hard to get a good digital scan of this line. Suffice to say we tried out best to capture it, but it still remains very feint. . *** CONDITION: This print is fresh and a brilliant example, contained in a Washi [hand-made mulberry] paper folded protector since its publication. We estimate this to have been produced around 1975-80, it is undated. The print is exceptionally clean, there are two tiny remnants of white cloth hinges on the verso [back] near the top margin, otherwise pristine example, printed on deckle-edge acid free paper. With plate mark as usual. . There are not flaws or marks whatsoever, the verso is clean. Please review photos posted to our website. . *** NOTE: Color scans are posted to our website. . *** REFERENCES: . BLAKEMORE, Frances.: WHO'S WHO IN MODERN JAPANESE PRINTS, pp. 180,with 3 print example. . RED LANTERN, Kyoto catalogs from 1973 onward. . *** .