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Lot # 39 - RARE Umetaro Azechi — Modernist Woodblock Print, Warrior with Ice Ax
| Opening Bid : | $ 5.00 |
| Pickup Instructions: | |
| Start Date/Time: | 31-Mar-2026 7:00:00 AM |
| End Date/Time: | 07-Apr-2026 7:38:00 PM |
| Current bid: |
$150.00 |
| 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. 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. 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. 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 Artist Bio: Umetaro Azechi (1902–1999)
Early Life & Training
Artistic Style
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 | Alwayshopping |
| 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 |
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