Calendar Cover for 1977 – Roses
Artist
Nishijima, Takeshi
(Japanese, 1929–2003)
Date1976
Mediumhand stencil-dyed print, ink and color on handmade kozo paper
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineGift from the Judith and Paul A. Falcigno Collection
Object number2010.194.1
DescriptionCalendar for 1977Label TextCalendar for 1977 Stencil-dyed paper Gift from the Judith and Paul A. Falcigno Collection, 2010.194.1-13 This 1977 calendar illustrates the range of Nishijima’s distinctive aesthetic sensibilities and includes his favorite subject matter: botanical close-ups, seasonal festivals, fishing, and famous places. As in his other calendars, insects add a playful touch. Nishijima used vivid and varied dyes to communicate the mood of each month. He freely employed varied points of view, such as showing performers at the Aoi Festival (May) from the back or the Gion Festival Float (July) from a bird’s-eye-view perspective. Every picture has its own unique dramatic quality. For example, January is double-sized and presents a striking Chinese vase and characters that read “in praise of Song glory and mastery.” Mingei artists like Nishijima admired the folk pottery of China as epitomized by this 11th-12th century Cizhou vase (see a similar vase on display in the WAM Chinese Decorative Arts Gallery, 1958.2.) ProvenancePaul A. Falcigno and Judy Mansfield, Hamden, CT
On View
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