About the Work

Clay Image is a woodblock print created in 1952 by Japanese artist Kiyoshi Saito. It is part of Saito's 'Haniwa' series, which features around thirty separate images inspired by ancient votive vessels. This abstract piece depicts two such vessels animated with stoic expressions and composed of overlapping layers of black, white, and gray, set against a flat red background. This work is a quintessential example of Saito's signature style, with the artist's trademark color palette, uniquely Japanese subject matter, and minimalist abstract composition for which he is renowned. This print was self-published by the artist on fibrous Japanese mulberry paper in vertical (tate-e), large oban format.