Rare Japanese Iwao Akiyama woodblock print crow owl Tradition New Creation UE62

This crow-themed work is rare among Iwao Akiyama’s creations, combining folkloric strength with a touch of humor.

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SIZE (Frame included)
Length: 56.5 cm / approx. 22.2 inches
Width: 71.5 cm / approx. 28.1 inches
Weight: 3540 g

The piece features a crow observed by an owl, accompanied by a verse by the free-verse haiku poet Santōka Taneda (1882–1940). In the poem, the owl cautions against trying to snatch tempting bait from “that fellow”—the strong crow—conveying a universal message: “Do not be reckless when facing a powerful opponent.”
In Japanese culture, crows symbolize cleverness and strength, while owls represent wisdom and discernment. This pairing creates a scene that is both playful and subtly philosophical, echoing the timeless charm of animal fables familiar in many cultures.

This is a print of a crow by Iwao Akiyama, a master pupil of Shiko Munakata.
Title: A Yatsu Wa Tsuyoi (“That Fellow is Strong”)
Edition: 2/160, 1995

Condition
Used / There is some discoloration.

Iwao Akiyama
Iwao Akiyama is a Japanese printmaker, born in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture. After graduating from the Pacific School of Fine Arts in 1953, he studied under Shiko Munakata, Teijiro Fuse, and Shigejiro Sakamoto. Later, he studied folklore, Buddhism, haiku poetry, ceramics, sculpture, and ink painting on his own. Since 1966, he has been invited to exhibit his works at the CWAJ Contemporary Print Exhibition sponsored by the United States Embassy in Japan.

Collections

• British Museum

• Cincinnati Art Museum

• National Gallery of Victoria

• National Museum of Scotland

• Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art

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