Book Design by Kiyoshi Awazu (Used)

Book Design by Kiyoshi Awazu, a used hardback with jacket published in 1995 (reprinting the 1977 edition and adding some pages), 7.5 x 9.3 inches, 98 pages with images in color and b/w / text is in Japanese / in excellent condition with some rubbing to the jacket.

The sale of this book supports our publication of The King of Circles by Shuntaro Tanikawa, designed and illustrated by Awazu.

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Kiyoshi Awazu was a self-taught graphic designer born in Tokyo in 1929. Fascinated by the intersection of Japanese tradition with modern culture, his imaginative works blended elements from Japanese woodblock prints, calligraphy and Buddhist art with bold colors and confident lines. Influenced by the works of American artist Ben Shahn, a strong political conscience is evident in Awazu’s works. The Return Our Sea poster, which won the grand prize at Nissenbi Exhibition in 1955 and cemented his position as an influential artist in post-war Japan, was created to protest the disruption to the lives of traditional fishermen caused by the American occupation of Japan. Known primarily as a graphic designer, Awazu’s curiosity and keen interest in the world around him led him to expand his colorful portfolio to painting, theater, three-dimensional works, and picture books.