Paul Binnie

Scottish, b. 1967

Sleeping Woman
(Nemuru onna)

signed in sumi ink at upper left, Bi-ni, followed by red circular artist's seal, Binnie, pencil numbered and signed on the bottom margin, 22/100 Paul Binnie, ca. 2004

dai oban yoko-e 13 1/4 by 18 7/8 in., 33.7 by 48 cm

The original blocks for this print were carved in 1997 with a jigsaw, a technique which allows for quick carving but presents challenges with the actual printing- as all of the blocks need to be inked and printed simultaneously. The first version, titled Sleeping Boy: Naoyuki, was issued in an edition of 20 due the limitations of working with jigsaw blocks. In 2004 Binnie altered the blocks to change the gender, adding hair a the nape of the neck and more fullness to the exposed breast. Although the intention was to issue an edition of 100 impressions, the printing process is just as difficult and Binnie may choose not complete the edition.

Reference:
Paul Binnie: A Dialogue with the Past - The First 100 Japanese Prints, 2007, p. 114, no. 77

price: $950