by David Kowalsky

Seattle is home to several vibrant galleries that specialize in Japanese woodblock prints, contemporary Japanese art and hand-colored photos.
The Cullom Gallery, on Occidental Mall between Main and Jackson streets on the mezzanine of Davidson Galleries in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, specializes in the tradition and influence of Japanese woodblock prints and works on paper.
Carolyn Staley Fine Japanese Prints, located at the north edge of the Pike Place Market between Virginia and Lenora streets on Western Avenue, focuses on fine-quality rare Japanese prints, paintings, scrolls and books. Everything for sale is by artists who are no longer living.

In the International District and Bellevue, Ming’s Asian Gallery features woodblock print reproductions for as little as $10 as well as collections of erotica, calligraphy and hand-colored photos that co-owner Jim Russell confidently says “nobody can top.”
Azuma Gallery at 530 1st Ave. S. in Pioneer Square is a leading collector of contemporary prints from Japan that also displays an impressive array of screens, paintings, ceramics and baskets.  The gallery has been brining Japanese art to Seattle for more than 25 years.

Contemporary prints from Azuma Gallery
Matsushima Godaido by Rey Morimura	Persimmon (ANAO) etching 8 1/4 x 6 1/2 inches 2009

Carolyn Staley, a veteran of the Seattle art community, opened her Fine Japanese Prints gallery in 1980. What makes the gallery unique? It specializes in fine quality prints. Not all galleries do. The gallery features Japanese ukiyo-e prints of the Edo era (1603-1868), primarily from the 19th century. These hand-printed masterworks of famous kabuki actors, courtesans, landscapes, heroes and legends reflect the styles, history and pleasures of the Japanese middle class during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Beth Cullom opened the Cullom Gallery in 2007. Prior to this, she worked at Carolyn Staley Fine Japanese Prints for 11 years, where she worked her way up to manager and assistant director. Why did she open her own gallery and what makes it unique? According to Cullom, she wanted to do something different than a traditional Japanese print gallery. She offers prints by ukiyo-e masters of the 18th and 19th centuries, Sosaku and Shin hanga prints from Japan’s modern age, and contemporary prints by Japanese and non-Japanese artists who draw on Japanese print traditions and techniques.

Ukiyoe woodblock prints from Cullom Gallery
The actor Nakamura Shikan II as Ume no Yoshibei. "Moon" from the series, Snow, Moon and Flowers. by Hirosada (fl. c. 1819-1865) Signature: Hirosada Publisher: Nishi Date: 1847 Format: chuban Paper: 9-7/8 x 6-7/8 inches	Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, from the series, Pictures of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets, As Told by the Nurse.  Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki. by Katsushika Hokusai (1760 - 1849) Signature: Zen Hokusai Manji Censor's kiwame seal Publisher: Nishimuraya Date: ca. 1835 Format: horizontal oban Paper:9-3/4 x 14-9/16 inches

Ming’s Asian Gallery features samples of Japanese folk art, calligraphy, erotica and woodblock prints collated over three decades of frequent trips to Japan, where the owners participate in antique auctions, shows and flea markets looking to add just the right pieces to their already formidable collection.
Cullom and Staley sell to both collectors and people new to Japanese prints. Staley said her most valued customers are collectors and museums, but she still has prints for decorating and gift giving. Cullom said it is often surprising to people that many Japanese prints, even from the 19th century, are still quite affordable. Contemporary prints by emerging artists are also affordable and offer the thrill of discovering someone new whose fame may take off down the road.

Art Galleries in Seattle

Azuma Gallery
www.azumagallery.com
530 1st Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 622-5599

Carolyn Staley
Fine Japanese Prints
www.carolynstaleyprints.com
2003 Western Ave., Suite 107
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 621-6493

Cullom Gallery
www.cullomgallery.com
313 Occidental Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 919-8278

Ming’s Asian Gallery
Bellevue Location
www.mingsgallery.com
10217 Main St.
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 462-4008
Seattle Location
519 6th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 748-7889

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