– Published by Unsōdō (Kyoto's renowned woodblock publisher established 1891) – Hand-carved and hand-printed Japanese mokuhanga technique – Intimate scale: approximately 25.5 × 17.5 cm mounted on backing sheet Summary: This is an original woodblock print entitled 'Dancer' by contemporary Japanese artist Morita Motoko, published by Unsōdō, one of Kyoto's most respected art publishers with roots stretching back to the Meiji era. Unsōdō has championed Japanese woodblock printing for over a century, bridging traditional craft and modern artistic expression. The work captures a dancer in motion through hand-carved blocks and hand-printed pigments, a process that remains deeply connected to centuries-old mokuhanga traditions yet speaks with a contemporary voice. There are works you frame for dramatic impact, and works whose quiet presence rewards closer inspection. This print belongs firmly to the second category. It arrived as part of a curated series published by Unsōdō under their 'Contemporary Artist Sketches' programme, where established printmakers explore figurative subjects with both technical precision and expressive freedom. The modest scale—just over 25 centimetres tall—creates an intimate viewing experience, drawing you in rather than commanding attention from across the room. Unsōdō's history is woven into the fabric of Kyoto's art world. Founded in 1891, the publisher emerged during a pivotal moment when Japanese woodblock printing was adapting to new audiences and artistic movements. Throughout the twentieth century, Unsōdō became synonymous with quality production, working with both traditional ukiyo-e reprints and supporting the sōsaku hanga (creative prints) movement, where artists carved, printed, and signed their own works. This dual commitment—honouring heritage whilst nurturing innovation—positioned Unsōdō as a bridge between Japan's printmaking past and its contemporary practitioners. The firm's catalogue includes collaborations with some of Japan's most celebrated twentieth-century artists, and their continued output today maintains exacting standards of craftsmanship. Morita Motoko's 'Dancer' reflects this lineage. The subject—a single figure caught mid-movement—is rendered with economy of line and careful attention to the play of positive and negative space. Japanese woodblock printing demands patience and technical mastery: each colour requires a separate carved block, and registration must be precise across multiple impressions. The resulting image carries a distinctive surface quality, where pigment sits gently atop the paper rather than sinking into it, creating subtle texture and depth. Contemporary collectors prize these hand-printed works not only for their aesthetic appeal but for the tangible connection to a living craft tradition. In a European interior, this print offers versatility. Its restrained palette and figurative subject matter sit comfortably in both traditional and minimalist settings. Consider it as part of a gallery wall alongside other works on paper, or isolated on a single wall where its quiet presence can be appreciated without competition. The backing sheet provides structural support whilst allowing the print itself to breathe—a thoughtful touch typical of Unsōdō's attention to presentation. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese prints and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.