Medium: Wood engraving
Dimensions: 5 x 7 inches
Artist details: British, 1946
Edition: of 75

Recommended by Suzannah (Marketing and Communications Manager):

"There is magnificent energy and spirit in Colin See-Paynton’s wood engraving ‘Nocturnal Encounters - Barn Owl and Hare,’ in which predator and prey are caught in a cosmic struggle of life and death. The owl swoops majestically with deadly precision while the hare leaps into the sky with huge feet, and eyes wild with panic. The textures of the feather and fur are lifelike in their detail and stylized in contrast, owing to the expertise of Colin See-Paynton’s masterful technique. These two creatures soar in mythic opposition, their momentary scene played against the vault of the night sky."

Series: Transmigration (Transferred Soul)
Medium: Wood engraving with chine-collé
Dimensions: 12 3/4 x 6 1/2 inches (image)
Signature: Signed
Artist details: Japanese, 1944
Date finished: 1988
Edition: of 40

Recommended by Catherine (Collections Specialist):

Keisei Kobayashi's intricate wood engravings often explore themes around ecology and nature mysticism. His piece Roots B from the 'Transmigration' series is a beautiful depiction of the reciprocity between humans and nature within the process of death. At a quick glance, the image appears to be of a dead tree, its scraggly and bare branches inviting the company of crows. A closer look reveals a glowing figure, sitting within the roots of the tree and bringing new life through the trunk. A clear symbol of rebirth in light of death, it also conveys a feeling of peaceful renewal in the midst of grief.

Series: Animals and Plants in Colors
Medium: Colored wood engraving
Dimensions: 16 x 12 inches (image), 23 1/4 x 19 inches (sheet)
Signature: Signed
Artist details: Japanese, 1944
Date finished: 2016
Edition: of 70

Recommended by Nikki (Fine Print Photographer & Content Publisher):
Kobayashi’s easily recognizable flora and fauna and color palette’s repeated pastel rainbow rolls lull his audience into a peaceful acceptance of this scene. Kobayashi has hypnotically pulled the viewer into his fantasy world where baby chicks and sea turtles emerge in the same space; and land and seascapes gently exist in a circular flow in the same plane. All of the birds, fish, frogs, etc are all observing the cock and hen. Cycles of life are in perfect balance in this imaginary space, where even one wrong step from the cock at the edge of the cliff can throw it into disharmony.

Medium: Wood engraving
Dimensions: 4 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches (Image) 9 x 7 inches (Sheet)
Signature: Signed
Artist details: American, 1949
Edition: of 25

Recommended by Nikki:

(Art Photographer / Marketing and Exhibitions Specialist)

Rorer gave extra care and attention to this portrait of Toni Morrison - highlighting this literary giantess’s importance. Toni Morrison’s words carried great weight and power. This small relief engraving of her face immortalizes a heavy reminder that resistance to what is unjust in our history and our present is the most sincere form of love and hope.