Artist: Ryonosuke Fukui (1923-1986)
Title: Untitled, Persimmons & Grapes (Written in pencil on backside, '15: Persimons and Grapes'.)
Date: c1960s
Edition: Serigraph Limited Edition: #6/10
Sig./Seal: Ryonosuke Fukui Pencil Signed and Numbered
Condition: Excellent
Sheet Size: 14.75 x 21.25   Image: 8.25 x 13              $1395
 
Ryonosuke Fukui (1920–1990) is recognized as a significant figure in postwar Japanese art. After graduating early from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1944, he returned to Ichinoseki, where he painted while supporting himself through farming. His early success came when Winter in Ichinoseki won the Gold Prize at the 44th Taiheiyogakai exhibition.
In 1959, gallerist Tetsuo Kojima encouraged Fukui to exhibit his mimeograph works, initiating a long collaboration that led to solo shows in Japan and the United States, where many early collectors were American cultural officers and military staff. During Japan’s economic boom, Fukui’s popularity grew, and later at Fujii Gallery he produced highly sought-after maiko paintings and miniature works.
Influenced by Existentialism and Zen, Fukui explored themes of impermanence and the tension between existence and nothingness, expressed through delicate imagery and his distinctive use of yellow ocher.