Kozo Onishi, Noren, Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print, 1980

Kozo Onishi (b. 1923) — Noren, Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print

Image size: 33 × 25 cm (approx. 13 × 9.8 in.)

Edition: 6/70

Titled Noren, this limited edition woodblock print by Japanese artist Kozo Onishi captures the quiet elegance of traditional architecture. A noren (暖簾) is a traditional fabric curtain hung at the entrance of shops and teahouses in Japan—serving both as a sign of welcome and as a symbol of the establishment’s identity. Here, Onishi depicts a bold red noren against a façade of indigo roof tiles and wooden lattice, creating a powerful interplay of color, texture, and geometry.

Onishi (born 1923) is celebrated for his depictions of Japanese townscapes, blending modernist abstraction with the warmth of traditional design. As part of the sōsaku-hanga (creative prints) movement, he designed, carved, and printed each work himself, making every piece a direct expression of the artist’s hand.

This impression, numbered 6 of just 70, is a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire an authentic example of Onishi’s artistry. Both modern and timeless, Noren is a work that embodies the spirit of Japanese culture and craftsmanship.

Collectors prize his prints not only for their technical finesse but also for their emotional resonance—a loving tribute to a disappearing Japan.

This piece is in great condition. A rare and highly decorative work that would elevate any collection of Japanese prints or mid-century modern art.

Colors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings.

Wear consistent with age and use.