Umetaro Azechi: At Itatsuki Mountain (Dawn on Titatsuki Pass) (Sold)

Artist: Umetaro Azechi (1902-1999)
Title: At Itatsuki Mountain (Dawn on Titatsuki Pass) (?)
Date: 1955

A poignant image of a figure sitting up in bed in the predawn hour, the earliest glimmers of the sun falling upon both him and the distant mountain peaks upon which he gazes. This work feels very intimate somehow, as we can relate to being awed by the beauty of a coming sunrise. Perhaps this is a portrait of a mountaineer staying in an alpine hut at high altitude. There may be several editions of this scarce work, but this seems to be an early one, numbered 2/30 at bottom right. Signed U. Azechi and dated –55 in pencil at lower left. As a quick search for a mountain or a pass by the above names turned up empty, it might be that we are seeing the Yatsugatake Mountains in the distance.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Some very light mat burn on margin and two tape remnants verso.

SKU: AZC010