Clifton Karhu Art
American, 1927-2007
Born in Duluth, Minnesota, Clifton Karhu was one of the most acclaimed American woodblock artists to work in Japan. Though the son of two painters and artistically inclined from an early age, Karhu joined the military. Stationed at the American Navy base in Sasebo from 1946 to 1948, he fell in love with Japan. Upon his return to the United States, he attended the Minneapolis Art School (1950-1952) before returning to Japan in 1952, this time as a missionary of the Lutheran church. From Hiroshima to Kyoto, he and his wife sold bibles until he became disillusioned with the mission. Settling in Gifu prefecture, he returned to art, working in oils and watercolor. Karhu’s reputation grew swiftly, winning first prize at the Middle Pacific Art Group Exhibition, and held his first solo exhibition at Shin Gifu Gallery. In 1963, Karhu moved to Kyoto. Immersed in the city’s vibrant artistic community, he began a successful career in woodblock printmaking. His self-carved and self-printed works portray traditional style houses and architectural details. Deeply expressive, yet precise and geometric, Karhu's style earned him enormous popularity worldwide.When asked about his medium, he states: “In Kyoto the vertical and horizontal lines of the tile roofs and the latticed windows strike a special harmony, like something alive. In my prints of Kyoto, I always strive to express this human warmth. Since wood accounts for much of Kyoto’s beauty, it may also be the best way that beauty can be expressed - through woodblock prints.”(Biography provided by Glenn Green Galleries)
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Artist: Clifton Karhu
Clifton Karhu Pagoda Print, 1960s/70s
By Clifton Karhu
Located in Larchmont, NY
Clifton Karhu (1927-2007)
Pagoda at Yasaka, c. 1960s/1970s
Woodblock Print
Sight: 11 x 14 1/2 in.
Framed: 18 1/2 x 22 3/4 x 1 in.
Signed lower right in the plate: C Karhu
Karhu was ...
Category
1960s Modern Clifton Karhu Art
Materials
Woodcut
Shrine, wood block print, Japan, yellow, brown, black, graphic, Karhu
By Clifton Karhu
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Shrine, wood block print, Japan, yellow, brown, black, graphic, Karhu
Category
1970s Contemporary Clifton Karhu Art
Materials
Driftwood
Cake Shop, woodblock print by Clifton Karhu, red, yellow, black, framed, Japan
By Clifton Karhu
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Cake Shop, woodblock print by Clifton Karhu, red, yellow, black, framed, Japan
hand signed and numbered
Category
1990s Contemporary Clifton Karhu Art
Materials
Paper
Koshihata Snow, woodblock print by Clifton Karhu, white, Japan, framed, signed
By Clifton Karhu
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Koshihata Snow, woodblock print by Clifton Karhu, white, Japan, framed, signed 1975
hand signed and numbered
Category
1970s Contemporary Clifton Karhu Art
Materials
Paper
Kinkakuji Rain, woodblock print by Clifton Karhu, framed, green, orange, black
By Clifton Karhu
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Kinkakuji Rain, woodblock print by Clifton Karhu, framed, green, orange, black
hand signed and numbered by the artist
16/100
Category
1970s Contemporary Clifton Karhu Art
Materials
Paper
Shoji, woodblock print by Clifton Karhu, round, framed, brown, white, yellow
By Clifton Karhu
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Shoji, woodblock print by Clifton Karhu, round, framed, brown, white, yellow
framed woodblock print
hand signed and numbered by the artist
Category
1990s Contemporary Clifton Karhu Art
Materials
Paper
Shishimai, woodblock print by Clifton Karhu, figurative, red, blue, Japan, frame
By Clifton Karhu
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Shishimai, woodblock print by Clifton Karhu, figurative, red, blue, Japan, frame
AP6
Hand signed and numbered by the artist
slight smudge on bottom of frame
Category
1970s Contemporary Clifton Karhu Art
Materials
Paper
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SOLO EXHIBITIONS
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2019
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2018
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2017
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2016
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Clifton Karhu art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Clifton Karhu art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Clifton Karhu in paper, driftwood, wood and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Clifton Karhu art, so small editions measuring 9 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of April Gornik, Hughie Lee-Smith, and Tony Bennett. Clifton Karhu art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,060 and tops out at $3,500, while the average work can sell for $3,500.