The Disciples Catching Fish The Disciples Catching Fish This is an outstanding Print of Three Fishermen with their catch, against a background of alternating gray bands. The fishermen are distinguished from each other by facial features, gesture and different pattern of dress, yet stand in close proximity, as each carefully holds one very large fish, each of different design.
The Print illustrates to perfection Watanabes love of embellishment and pattern which is never intrusive, nor does it affect the impact and unity of the image.
Peter Sinking-Save Me Christ Sadao Watanabe depicts a blibical theme, as is customary in his Works. This is a simple composition, framed on the side by a bird and foliage. The focus is on Christ's large figure walking on the waters and on his expressive gesture; St. Peter looks out beseechingly as he extends a long arm towards Christ, his Saviour. Three disciples in their boat enrich the story by gestures of prayer and expressions of fear and astonishment. The mottled blue color forms a wonderful 'watery' background to the black/white patterns of the image and strongly focusses the viewer on the miracle of the story.
Wise Women and Foolish Women Proverbs 9.13 A procession of 10 figures bearing candles and flowers, walk piously in two registers to the right and left. The smaller figures on lower ground are more expressive and less formal, bending, turning and gesturing as if oppressed.
Flowers, plants and vines enrich this impressive composition, the vines gently curving to create a halo-like device over the head of the larger group of figures. A bird above appears to point the way.
Colors of brilliant red, green, blue, white and black stand out against the rich yellow background in this remarkable stencil, created by the renowned artist, Sadao Watanabe.
Nativity - the Birth of Christ This rendering of THE NATIVITY is both still and animated, as well as richly decorative. Mary holds the Christchild in a warm embrace, her gently bent head close to his; the folds of her gown swing out in rich folds, giving her figure a special grace. In contrast to her animated form, are three horseheads and the strirated manger roofs, all held in rigid geometric pattern. The Three Kings are wonderfully described, each distinguished from the next be means of stance, glance and clothing. Above, three Shepherds peering out and framed by decorative trees, complete this beautifully conceived and intimate scene.
St. Francis Preaching to the Birds Saint Francis, with the gentle, pensive face of a visionary, raises his hand in blessing, surrounded by multi-colored birds; some sit on his head, his shoulder, his arm, reaching toward his fingers and ear. Saint Francis' affinity with them is touchingly portrayed.
On brilliant yellow gound, in colors of black, white, red, green, blue.
Noah's Ark - extra large This print is truly extraordinary, a masterpiece of fine, expressive detail, with an intricately crafted design;
Though it is a stencil print, it is so delicately wrought that it reminds of a tapestry; it is distinguished by minute, fine detail in a multitude of design motifs and colors.
The animals, 'two by two', are aligned in six levels, interspersed by a variety of plants, trees and family members, with Noah and his wife at the top of the composition.
Women Crossing the Red Sea The leading woman looks back at the group following her, as they cross the Red Sea; this print beautifully illustrates and expressive style of the Artist, at this time, emphasized by the figures' gesture and eyes; the women and girl are shown densely aligned in a tight rectangle, as they anxiously follow the leading figure whose arm is raised in encouragement
Shepherds Sadao Watanabe has beautifully described and interpreted the shepherds - their surprised, awed expressions and simple demeanor. The little sheep are depicted in 'naive' style, lined up carefully alongside. This is a wonderful carefully composed image.
Three Fishermen A wonderful image of the Fishermen with their catch. the are shown closely aligned, wth wonder in their eyes and an innocent expression, as they are chosen to follow Christ
The Flight into Egypt (Grey) The close knit group of Mary, anxiously holding the Christ child close, a bent and tire looking Joseph and two angels, front and back,closely aligned as if protecting he holy famly.
Fine color and expressive gestures, posture and glance
Moses smiting the Rock at Meribah , Exodus 17.3-6 Moses, followed by an Elder, strides purposefully with raised staff, to bring about the miraculous flow of water; his large dark eyes are symbolic of his unique vision and understanding. The charming alignment of sheep, two each to the right and left of the river, form a contrast to the hieratic composition above.
Last Supper Jesus and his disciples are gathered together at the Last Supper; their expressions and gestures reflects the solemnity and intimacy of the event
Jonah A classic early Old Testament image by the artist. Jonah draws a lot to see who will be thrown overboard into the sea A wonderful round symmetry is created with the fish below and sails above drawing the viewers eye into the dramatic action in the image
Mary and Elizabeth A charming portrayal of Mary and Elizabeth,sharing the bond of pregnancy. Luke 1.39: ..and when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the holy spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry: blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!..
The Flight into Egypt Mary cradles the baby Jesus as she rides on a Donkey toward Egypt; her expression is worried but determined. A bird flies overhead guides the way
Black and White, Abraham and the three strangers An early black and white stencil inspired by a Bible text, from a series of Psalms by the artist The actual title is unknown
Noah's Ark A rare large Print of the story of Noah in outstanding condition. Noah and his wife,under a rainbow are the first to leave the ark. Giving thanks to God, the lead the animals out of the Ark onto dry land
Bileam and the Angel The Angel of the Lord is sent to prevent Bileam from cursing the Israelites and disobeying God. The angel is only visible to the Donkey, whom,in speaking to the angel spares Bileams life
