The artwork, titled “Haniwa,” created by Kiyoshi Saito in 1960, belongs to the Sōsaku hanga art movement and falls under the genre of figurative art. This piece exemplifies the distinctive characteristics of the Sōsaku hanga movement, which emphasizes the artist’s personal vision and technique in the creation of woodblock prints.
The artwork portrays a stylized, abstract figure that appears to be inspired by traditional Japanese haniwa clay figures. The composition is a harmonious interplay of geometric shapes and a limited color palette, predominantly featuring shades of grey, black, and muted red. The figure’s form is constructed using a series of bold, intersecting lines and patterns, creating a sense of depth and texture. The artwork conveys a modern yet timeless aesthetic, indicative of Saito’s unique approach to blending traditional Japanese themes with contemporary artistic techniques.