This woodblock print is the work of Takeo Takei (1894-1983), a painter, printmaker and highly influential illustrator, especially known for his work for children’s books and his belief in making artwork that respected and nurtured a child’s imagination. Well, yes! It dates to 1964, and was created to represent the month of October in a limited edition calendar produced by the Yoseido Gallery. Indeed, it strikes me as a wonderfully poetic representation of fall, and is emblematic of Takei's woodblock prints, called "handa" in Japanese.
I believe the upper calendar portion of the originally 9 1/2 x 4 3/4” sheet was cut off, and the lower portion is what has been framed. On the bottom of the backside, next to the artist’s name is writing in pencil, including what I believe is the edition number, though it is rather hard to make out. On the bottom of the front is again embossed the artist name in English and Japanese, as well as the title, “Autumn Leaves.”
The back of the frame bears the label of the well-known Kanda gallery in Tokyo. Image size 4.5” wide x 5” tall; framed size 10.5 x 8.5. There is a bit of aging to the mat, though it does not distract, and the print seems in very good condition.
