Meguro Fudō" 目黒不動 - Hideharu Mishio 三塩英春 (b.1956) - Japan (No reserve price)

This is an intricate and expressive wood engraving by acclaimed Japanese printmaker Hideharu Mishio (三塩英春), titled “Meguro Fudō” (目黒不動). Executed using the traditional Koguchi Mokuhan (end-grain wood engraving) technique, this work showcases Mishio’s exceptional command of fine linework and compositional depth. Koguchi Mokuhan is a highly specialized form of printmaking in which the artist carves into the end grain of dense hardwood, allowing for remarkable precision and delicacy.

Rendered in striking monochrome, the composition draws from Japanese Buddhist mythology and folklore, depicting the fierce visage of Fudō Myōō, the “Immovable Wisdom King.” Surrounding the deity are swirling elements of spiritual symbolism—a serpentine dragon emerges with sharp vitality, while a procession of guardian figures advances holding ritual implements. Flames, smoke, and waves rise around the central figure, creating a powerful contrast between turbulent motion and Fudō’s unshakable stillness. The dynamic balance of these elements invites contemplation of both the sacred and the surreal.

This print is signed in pencil at the lower right (“H. Mishio”), impressed with the artist’s red seal, and hand-numbered 73/100, indicating its place within a limited edition of 100. The Japanese title 「目黒不動」 is also handwritten in pencil below the image.

Notably, another impression of Meguro Fudō is held in the permanent collection of the British Museum (Museum no. 2006,0220,0.86), underscoring the recognized importance of this work within contemporary Japanese printmaking.
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_2006-0220-0-86

Please note: a visible stain is present on the sheet, as shown in the photographs. It does not intrude into the printed image area but should be considered when evaluating condition.

Title: Meguro Fudō 目黒不動
Edition: 73/100
Dimensions:
Sheet Size: H45.0 cm × W63.2 cm
Image Size: H22.3 cm × W30.5 cm

About Koguchi Mokuhan (木口木版)
Wood engraving, known in Japanese as Koguchi Mokuhan, is a traditional printmaking method that involves carving the end grain of dense hardwood—typically boxwood—using extremely fine engraving tools. Unlike standard woodblock printing, which employs the plank side of the wood, this technique utilizes the cross-section, enabling extraordinarily intricate lines and tonal delicacy.

Originating in Europe in the 18th century and later embraced by Japanese artists, wood engraving allows for dramatic textures, expressive contrasts, and finely modulated black-and-white imagery. Owing to the technical demands of the craft, wood engravings are generally produced in small, carefully controlled editions and are highly prized for their precision and depth.

About Hideharu Mishio (三塩英春)
Hideharu Mishio (born 1955) is a Japanese printmaker internationally recognized for his mastery of Koguchi Mokuhan. A graduate of Musashino Art University, Mishio has devoted his career to exploring spiritual, mythological, and folkloric subjects through meticulously crafted monochrome engravings.

His works often portray Buddhist deities, dragons, supernatural beings, and symbolic landscapes, rendered with striking precision and emotional resonance. He has exhibited widely in Japan and abroad, including at the CWAJ Print Show, and has received numerous honors. In 2006, he was awarded the Grand Prize at the International Print Triennial in Kanagawa. Mishio has also been repeatedly recognized by the Japan Print Association (Nihon Hanga Kyōkai).

Today, he is considered one of Japan’s foremost contemporary wood engravers, and his limited-edition prints are sought after by collectors for their technical excellence, narrative richness, and artistic integrity.

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