Title: Maria Kannon (マリア観音) Artist: Kaoru Kawano (河野薰，1916–1965) Technique: Woodblock Print Signed and sealed by the artist Paper size: 40 × 30 cm (15.7 × 11.8 in) Image size: 32.6 × 22.6 cm (12.8 × 8.9 in) Frame size: 54 × 42.5 × 2.5 cm (21.3 × 16.7 × 1.0 in) Paper: Washi This evocative woodblock print is by the great Japanese artist Kaoru Kawano (河野薰), a key figure in the Shōwa-period creative print movement (Sōsaku Hanga). Created circa 1950s–1960s, it is a self-carved, self-printed original woodblock print, entirely designed, carved and printed by the artist himself. Kawano is celebrated for his minimalist, meditative black-and-white woodblock style. The work depicts Maria Kannon (マリア観音), a syncretic figure born during Japan’s Edo period, when Christianity was banned. Believers secretly worshipped the Virgin Mary disguised as the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy holding an infant, merging Buddhist and Christian symbolism. The figure represents faith, protection, and maternal love. Against a solid black background, bold, textured woodblock lines form a seated Kannon holding a child. The strong black-and-white contrast conveys a profound meditative simplicity and quiet power, making this one of Kawano’s most iconic subjects. The print bears the artist’s red seal in the lower left and his pencil signature Kaoru Kawano in the lower right. The label on the reverse reads: 「河野薫木版画『マリヤ観音』」, with the handwritten number 3016B below, indicating the edition number of this print. The piece is sold with its original frame and glass panel. The frame shows minor scuffs and surface wear consistent with age and use. The washi paper displays slight natural toning due to age; the print is in good overall condition. Due to temporary service suspension, Taiwan Post EMS has suspended parcel delivery to the following countries starting March 10, 2026: United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Israel, Pakistan, Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Greece, Egypt, Morocco. Bidders from these countries are kindly requested not to bid at this time. Note: Delivery to Italy takes approximately 6–7 days. Customs or the courier may contact you for customs clearance. Kindly reply promptly, as delays may result in the package being returned. Contacting them directly can help speed up the process: dogane.malpensa.urp@agenziadogane.it Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. - The picture is part of the description. The color of the item may be slightly different from the picture (due to camera and screen settings). - The successful bidder will be responsible for any customs duties and taxes (if applicable). - This item will be mailed by the postal service of Taiwan in the form of airmail with insurance attached.