Kaoru Kawano Signed Japanese Woodblock Print Cross Madonna and Child Framed Art For Sale

Up for sale is an original mid-century Japanese woodblock print by celebrated Sōsaku-hanga artist Kaoru Kawano (1916–1965). The print features a stylized, modernist depiction of the Madonna cradling the infant Jesus before a cross, rendered with prominent natural woodgrain background textures.​It bears Kawano’s signature red seal (chop) mark alongside his pencil signature in the lower margin. Housed under glass in a dark wooden frame with a neutral mat.​About the Artist: Kaoru Kawano (1916–1965)
​Born in Hokkaido, Japan, Kaoru Kawano studied at the Kawabata Art School in the 1930s before establishing an international reputation through solo exhibitions across North America and Asia.
​Technique & Style: Kawano was a prominent figure in the post-WWII Sōsaku-hanga (Creative Print) movement. Unlike traditional Ukiyo-e collaboration, Sōsaku-hanga artists carved and printed their own blocks. Kawano is internationally recognized for his simplified graphic forms, expressive figures, and his masterful technique of incorporating the organic patterns of raw woodblock grain into the final print design.​Museum Collections: His works are held in major institutions worldwide, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
​Subject & Composition​The artwork, often cataloged as Cross or Ave Maria, reflects Kawano’s exploration of spiritual themes through a modernist lens.​The Figure: A simplified, expressive depiction of Mary cradling the child near a cross.​Woodgrain Texture: The composition makes distinctive use of natural wood grain printing techniques across the cross and background fields.​Color Palette: Dominated by deep charcoal black, warm earth tones, soft skin tones, and rich textured gray highlights.​Measurements (Framed Outer Dimensions):
​Height: Approx. 21.5 inches
​Width: Approx. 15.5 inches​Condition Details:
​Artwork: Print displays crisp contrast and rich pigment. There is light age-appropriate toning/foxing visible on the paper matting surrounding the artwork.​Frame & Backing: Original black wooden frame with light vintage edge wear. The back brown dust cover paper shows age-related water staining along the upper right border, but remains intact with hanging wire installed. Please review all photos for exact condition details.