Modern Masters of Photography Japan, Portfolio of 12 Signed Prints, 47 of 100

This is rare limited edition portfolio of signed and numbered prints by 12 of Japan’s most important modern master photographers that was released in 2005 with a limitation of 100 with this being number 47. The portfolio is entitled “Modern Masters of Photography Japan” and is an incredible production that was issued by the Asia Initiative to raise funds for projects for poverty alleviation in South Asia. Each of the photographers who participated in the project donated the plates and provided some of their most iconic images. The photographers are Masahisa Fukase, Eikoh Hosoe, Yasuhiro Ishimoto, Kikuji Kawada, Daido Moriyama, Shigeichi Nagano, Tadayuki Naito, Tokihiro Sato, Toshio Shibata, Issei Suda, Yoshihiko Ueda, and Hiroshi Yamazaki.

Each of the prints measures 19” x 13” and is signed and numbered by the photographer (47 of 100). The prints are housed in a custom designed blue anodized aluminum case by Frank la Riviere. The paper for the prints is Hahnmuhle Fine Art Gmbh Photo Rag 460 g/m2 paper and the digital printing, guaranteed for 100 years, is by Epson Pigment Ink Technology.

Included in the portfolio is one of Moriyama's most iconic images, a print from Kawada's Map series, an original signed print from Fukase's Ravens, a print from Issei Suda's Fushi Kaden, as well as signed prints by truly iconic Japanese photographers Yasuhiro Ishimoto, Eikoh Hosoe, Shigeichi Nagano, Toshio Shibata, as well as the others listed. The print by Fukase contained in this series is one of the final prints that Masahisa Fukase signed; due to his illness Fukase is no longer able to sign any of his works. (Fukase is also the only artist of the twelve who signed his print on the verso (back) rather than the recto (front).)

All 12 of the signed prints are in perfect, unused and unmounted condition. The portfolio case is also in MINT condition.

This set was produced primarily to be provided to museums and other art-related institutions. To my knowledge, this is the only portfolio currently available. Signed images from each of these photographers fetches significant prices at auction -- this is an incredible chance to pick up a beautiful set of images from each that is certain to continue to increase in value in years to come.