Found at an estate sale, these two vintage 5.2” x 7.75” woodblock prints of birds are by noted Japanese artist Shizuo Ashikaga (1917-1991). The titles are “Bird on a Blossoming Plum Branch” and “Bird on Nandin”. Each is signed with a chop (see photos). They’re mounted in 7.675” x 10.375” paper folders and loosely hinged on the right side to the back of the folder. I think the birds are probably finches. As is usual with woodblock prints, the ink bleeds through to the back of the paper (see photos). The second photo shows a 12” ruler for scale.

The colors of each print are bright and vibrant but over the years the folders have unfortunately become slightly damaged (see photos). The surface of the first print has a small defect in the sky above and to the right of the bird’s bill. I find this defect quite inconspicuous except at certain angles of light.

As is unfortunately all too often the case at estate sales, I wasn't able to learn anything about history of these marvelous woodblock prints, which I understand date from the 1950’s and would guess may have been purchased as mementos of a trip to Japan.

Two photos show details of these prints as viewed through a 10X loupe.

Shizuo Ashikaga (1917-1991) is known for his marvelous woodblock prints of flowers and birds.

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If you're dissatisfied with these two woodblock prints in any way, you can return them in the same condition in which you received them within 30 days for a full refund. Shipping will be by USPS First Class Mail with no additional handling charge.