Makoto Ouchi (1926-1989) Japanese, Abstract Kabuki Actors Limited Etching. A vertical stack of three geometric cubes, each displaying a different stylized face inspired by traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, set against a minimalist white background with a single blue horizontal band. Signed bottom right in English. Title in kanji bottom middle translates as: "State Affairs." Numbered 9/60 in pencil bottom left.  

Overall Size: 38 x 29 x 1 3/4 in. 

Sight Size: 31 x 22 in. 

Makoto Ōuchi was born in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan in 1926, and sought to go to art school after discovering drawing and painting, but his parents insisted he attend Kanagawa Prefectural Technical High School, graduating in 1945 with a focus on drafting. Teaching himself how to make etchings after discovering printmaking, he became an active member of the Independent Japanese Artist's Association. Many of his works incorporate ukiyo-e themes and designs, often with an abstract twist or sometimes utilizing mixed media and unique perspectives to create two-dimensional art with a three-dimensional appearance. His first solo show was held at the Japan Club in New York in 1958, and he later won the Yamamoto Kanae Prize from the Japan Print Association in 1968. His works were popular at home and abroad, and can be found in the Museum of Modern Art New York, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and the Library of Congress. He died in 1989. 

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