Dragon 8

Description

A large, square-format dragon woodblock print by Hajime Namiki. The dragon appears from behind an abstract pattern, perhaps crossing from one world to another, or possibly from a sea, river or lake, more common surroundings for Japanese dragons than the air or clouds. The dragon itself has claws, antlers, scales and (besides having four instead of just three claws) is very much depicted as being a traditional Japanese dragon. Dragons have been a recurring theme for Japanese woodblock print artists, and Namiki's composition is reminiscent of one of the dragons depicted by Hokusai. As is often the case with prints by Namiki, the background varies in color and shine depending on the light.