Lot # 39 - RARE Umetaro Azechi — Modernist Woodblock Print, Warrior with Ice Ax

Opening Bid : $ 5.00
Start Date/Time: 31-Mar-2026 7:00:00 AM
End Date/Time: 07-Apr-2026 7:38:00 PM
Current bid:

$150.00

Reserve Not Met
Highest bidder:

cheesenoodle

Auction has ended

Description :

Mid‑20th Century | Signed in the Block

This striking modernist woodblock by Umetaro Azechi features one of his iconic mountain‑warrior figures, rendered in his unmistakable blend of bold geometry, textured color fields, and simplified human form. The central figure stands frontally, with a single large eye, stylized limbs, and the characteristic downward‑pointing ice ax—a recurring tool in Azechi’s mountain‑climber imagery.

Cool vertical bands of blue and gray frame the figure, while angular white shapes evoke snow, wind, or mountain light. The earthy browns and reds of the warrior contrast sharply with the icy backdrop, heightening the sense of solitude and endurance that defines Azechi’s work. A small red seal appears at lower right.

This is a strong, archetypal example of Azechi’s postwar style: minimal, symbolic, and deeply tied to the culture of Japanese mountaineering.



Artist Bio: Umetaro Azechi (1902–1999)

Umetaro Azechi was a leading figure in Japan’s sōsaku‑hanga movement, which emphasized the artist as sole creator—designing, carving, and printing each work by hand.

Early Life & Training

  • Born in Uwajima, Ehime, to a poor farming family.

  • Began art through correspondence courses before moving to Tokyo.

  • Mentored by Unichi Hiratsuka, one of the giants of modern Japanese printmaking.

Artistic Style

Azechi developed a highly recognizable visual language:

  • Simplified, blocky human forms

  • Cool, mountain‑inspired palettes

  • Textured carving that celebrates the woodblock surface

  • Frequent depictions of mountain men, climbers, and highland animals

  • A blend of folk‑art warmth and modernist abstraction

    18 W x 24 T 


Auction History

Highest bidder is cheesenoodle

Date Bid User
31-Mar-2026 1:17:27 PM $150.00 cheesenoodle
31-Mar-2026 10:41:54 AM $100.00 Sally Latern
31-Mar-2026 9:50:26 AM $75.00 Utsukushii Josei
31-Mar-2026 9:09:48 AM $14.00 chicken
31-Mar-2026 9:04:01 AM $13.00 JJA
31-Mar-2026 8:07:42 AM $5.00 msshaw60

PAYMENT DETAILS

Placing a bid is an agreement to purchase. If you win, you must pick up your item(s). If you default on your purchase, your bidding privileges will be revoked permanently. Do not bid if you do not plan to purchase.If you bid, you MUST be available/arrange for pick-up of purchases on the pick-up date unless you have made prior shipping arrangements. Bring necessary tools and help for picking up large items. Loading assistance is NOT available. Some items may be located on a 2nd floor, out building.

Invoices are emailed to winning bidders once the sale has completely closed.Full payment must be made by 8:00 p.m. the day after auction closes. If total payment is not received before the pick-up date & time, items will be forfeited, and bidding privileges revoked.

Pick-up information will be on the invoice e-mailed after the auction closes.All items not picked up during the designated times will be considered abandoned and may be donated or resold. When possible, and at our sole discretion, an alternate pick-up time may be arranged. If this is possible, an appropriate fee will be charged. 

A 10% Buyer's Premium and Sales Tax are added to the winning bid amount when invoiced. Sales tax is waived for licensed re-sellers.

We make every effort to describe lot items as accurately as possible. Expect normal signs of wear associated with antiques, vintage, and used items. We do not list every flaw. All items are sold AS IS WHERE IS. No refunds or returns. Sound Estate Company does not guarantee the working order of any clock, watch, electronic or mechanical device. Dimensions given may be approximate.

2026 Sound Estate LLC