This hand-coloured Japanese woodcut of an owl forms part of a collection of prints, drawings and paintings of owls am

Catalog note / 解説

This hand-coloured Japanese woodcut of an owl forms part of a collection of prints, drawings and paintings of owls amassed by the poet and shcolar Walter Strachan (1903-1994).Many were one-off gifts or greetings; some were proofs from artist books. This hand-coloured Japanese woodcut is an unusual addition to Strachan’s collection, being a 19th-century rather than a contemporary print. The woodcut technique originated in China but has a strong tradition in Japan. Strachan was fascinated by the art of the book. His interest was inspired by a visit to an exhibition of artists’ books at the National Gallery in London in May 1945. In due course he wrote many articles on the subject, as well as…