good condition. A certificate is included on the back of the printing. Please see the photos for details of the condition. Artist: Koji Ikuta Category: Copperplate engraving (etching) Year: 2012 Limited number:38/100 Title:First Japan - US Negotiation, 1854 - Ex-Libris Yokohama Kurofunekan - Technique/Material: Mezzotint ============== Printing Size: 9.8cm x14.5cm Total Size: 18cm x 25.1cm ================ This copperplate engraving commemorates the first diplomatic negotiation between Japan and the United States in 1854. A dragon and an eagle confront one another above a black ship, symbolizing the meeting of East and West at the opening of Japan. Below, historical figures anchor the scene in a pivotal moment of modern history. Created as an ex-libris for Yokohama Kurofunekan, the work combines historical narrative with symbolic intensity, rendered in meticulous monochrome detail. ▼Koji Ikuta ============ Koji Ikuta (born 1953, Yamagata, Japan) is a Japanese mezzotint artist internationally recognized for his refined mastery of light and darkness. After graduating from Tama Art University, Ikuta developed his copperplate and mezzotint techniques independently. His works have received major awards at international print exhibitions in the United States, France, Spain, Brazil, Poland, Taiwan, and Korea, including multiple Grand Prix and First Prize honors. Ikuta has held numerous solo exhibitions across Japan and Europe, particularly in France, where his work has been widely acclaimed. His prints are held in museum collections and are admired for their quiet intensity, technical precision, and poetic atmosphere. He currently works from his studio in Chiba, Japan, and continues to exhibit regularly in Japan and Europe. ============ ☆★☆★☆★About shipping☆★☆★☆★ *** IMPORTANT******** Due to changes in tariffs, shipping from Japan to the US has currently been suspended. Please refrain from bidding from the US for the time being. ********************* ******Shipping to Italy ? Important Information******* Due to the current situation of international mail processing in Italy, packages may take significantly longer to clear customs and be delivered compared to other countries. It is not uncommon for customs clearance to take 3?8 weeks, even when the package arrives in Italy quickly. Please note: ・Italian customs may require additional time for inspection. ・Tracking updates may stop for a long period during customs processing. ・Delivery delays do not necessarily indicate a lost package. *************************************** The product will be shipped in a strong, special box with cushioning material between the pieces. Delivery will be made by Japan Post. ! Please note! Delivery will be from Japan. Due to the recent increase in packaging and delivery costs, the shipping fee will be approximately 30 euros. In the future, we plan to lower the shipping fee if various expenses are reduced, so we appreciate your understanding. ☆★☆★☆★About customs duties☆★☆★☆★ According to Catawiki regulations, customs duties are the responsibility of the recipient of the package. Please note that the presence and amount of customs duties vary by country, so we cannot give a general estimate. *Customs duties are calculated based on the total amount of "item price + shipping fee". *Please check the information for each country in advance for detailed amounts. ☆★☆★☆★To everyone viewing our products☆★☆★☆★ Thank you for your interest in our products! I used to work for a company that handled a wide range of antique products, including Japanese antiques and art. In the future, I would like to gradually list special products for you. Since the products are sold from Japan, shipping and customs duties will be borne by the buyer. Please bid with this in mind. I hope that one day customs duties will disappear from the world.