A Hand Carved Wood Block: Stained Pigment

mid twentieth century
13 1/2" x 9 1/2" x 3/4", 34 cm x 24 cm x 2 cm

This beautiful object is a hand-carved wood block which would have been one of several used in creating a colorful wood block print: each of its two sides is carved in mirror image, the top and bottom of each side is identical.

The apparent, colorful design on the front of the block is stark and abstract with the front showing blue and green blotches. Under the green blotches are beautifully carved bamboo fronds. Under the blue blotches show an elaborately designed samurai helmet.

The reverse side shows faint blue ink, pale on the left, less pale on the right. Under each of the stains of ink are carved robes on the left and fragments of a samurai's armor on the right.

Please note on the face there is some paper still glued to the surface.

An enigmatic object that piques the curiosity with its visual power.

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