Portfolio with 10 drypoint etching with stencil from 1974.
The edition of XVII/LXXV on Richard de Bas paper.
Dimensions of work: 66 x 52 cm.
Hand signed.
Publisher: Gerschmann, Stockholm/ Yayoi, Tokyo.
Reference: Field 76-1 A-I; Michler/Löpsinger 742-750.
The work is in Excellent condition.
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Japanese Fairy Tales is a rare and beautifully crafted portfolio of ten original etchings with stencil color (Rigal), created through a collaboration between Gerschmann, Stockholm and Yayoi, Tokyo. Printed in a limited tirage of 300 copies on fine Arches and Richard de Bas paper, this collection unites exquisite craftsmanship with timeless storytelling. Each etching measures approximately 48 × 38.3 cm and showcases the precision, color, and balance that define modern printmaking at its finest.
The portfolio visualizes ten iconic stories from traditional Japanese folklore, merging narrative depth with refined artistic technique. Each etching celebrates a classic tale known for its moral, symbolism, and cultural resonance:
Momotaro (Peach Boy) – the brave child born from a peach who defeats demons with courage and loyalty.
Hagoromo (The Robe of Feathers) – a celestial maiden’s tale of love, loss, and the link between heaven and earth.
Urashima Taro – the fisherman who visits an underwater kingdom and discovers time’s mysterious passage.
Hanasakaji San (The Old Man Who Made Trees Blossom) – a story of kindness rewarded through nature’s magic.
Rokujiso (The Grateful Statues) – a parable of compassion and gratitude that transcends the material world.
Kumo (The Weaver Spider) – a poetic reflection on patience, artistry, and fate.
Kosonaga Chojo (The Princess and the Herd Boy) – the romantic legend of two lovers separated by the Milky Way.
Jugoyoe – a mysterious narrative evoking Japan’s spiritual traditions and moonlit myths.
Shunboshi (Little One-Inch) – the miniature hero who triumphs over challenges with wit and courage.
Shitakiri (The Tongue-Cut Sparrow) – the moral tale of greed and humility, reminding viewers of life’s true values.
These Japanese etchings preserve Japan’s ancient tales through a Western fine-art technique, harmonizing Japanese folklore with European printmaking mastery. The collaboration between Yayoi Tokyo and Gerschmann Stockholm bridges cultures, offering a collection that is both visually refined and emotionally timeless.
Each print in Japanese Fairy Tales serves as a poetic interpretation of universal themes — courage, compassion, love, and humility — making this portfolio a cherished example of cross-cultural art and a lasting celebration of storytelling through the art of etching.
