Tattooed Woman Nude Koi Cherry Blossom Lily Wave Woodblock Print - Original, Handcarved & Printed, Limited Edition

"Don't Play Koi With Me"

Limited Edition: 50 prints
Image size: 3.5"w x 7.25"h
Paper size: 8.5"w x 11"h
Medium: Wood Engraving
Material: Resingrave
Paper: Acid-free Arches Text Wove
Inks: Graphic Chemical Oil-Based relief ink, black
By Alexia Rostow, 2011

For the colored edition: http://www.etsy.com/listing/88286729/tattooed-woman-colored-nude-koi-cherry?ref=v1_other_1

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"Don't Play Koi with Me!" celebrates both the human figure and the art of tattooing.
The human form is an enduring theme in art. To study, and to understand the human form, students often draw from live models. For the viewer, an artistically posed nude is a familiar, and pleasing, sight. And yet, a glimpse of a tattoo underneath a sleeve can still conjure up negative connotations. My goal for this design was to show the artistic nature of tattooing through a traditional "art school" pose.

The design of the tattoo itself represents strength, courage, and the ability to overcome life's challenges. The Koi fish is one of the most popular Japanese tattoo symbols. An ancient legend tells that if a koi fish successfully swam up the waterfalls of the Yellow River to the Dragon Gate, it would magically transform into a dragon. Thus the koi symbolizes courage and perseverance. Joining the koi are a waterlily (or lotus) and cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms remind the viewer of the fragility of life, while the waterlily offers the possibility of reformation and rebirth.

THIS IS NOT A DIGITALLY REPRODUCED PRINT! I designed it, transferred it to the block, and carved the block with hand engraving tools. I then inked and printed each one by hand on a press in my in-house workshop.

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SHIPPING:

All prints are shipped via the US Postal Service First Class with Delivery Confirmation.

Prints are packaged in clear, plastic sleeves with acid-free backing and are ready for gifting, propping up on a shelf, or safely transporting until framed. Prints are NOT mounted to the backing. All prints are packaged for shipping in sturdy recycled cardboard and envelopes.

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© 2011 Porcuprints.
All visual media © Porcuprints. All Rights Reserved.
www.Porcuprints.com | Alexia [!at] porcuprints.com