Noboru Sawai Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Noboru Sawai Art Value Price Guide

Nov. 10, 2024
NOBORU SAWAI, CANADIAN, WOODBLOCK PRINT WITH INTERIOR SCENE AND SHUNGA
Est: $200 - $300
Noboru Sawai (1931 - 2016), a woodblock print on paper depicting an interior scene with nobility and a shunga erotic scene. An important Canadian printmaker, draftsman, and educator, Professor Noboru Sawai was born in Takamatsu, Japan, and died in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada where he had maintained a studio and a home since 1981. He taught printmaking and drawing at the University of Calgary, Alberta, and was a visiting lecturer and teacher at dozens of other universities, colleges, and venues in locations as diverse as the Canadian Arctic and Israel. He influenced students at the highest levels of academic study as well as aboriginal professionals in the earliest stages of developing a societal-changing printmaking industry. His works have been exhibited widely around the world and collected by over two dozen Canadian museums. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold "as-is", refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not ship in-house. A list of recommended shippers will be provided.
Helios Auctions
Nov. 10, 2024
NOBORU SAWAI, CANADIAN, WOODBLOCK PRINT WITH INTERIOR SCENE AND SHUNGA
Est: $200 - $300
Noboru Sawai (1931 - 2016), a woodblock print on paper depicting an interior scene with nobility and a shunga erotic scene. An important Canadian printmaker, draftsman, and educator, Professor Noboru Sawai was born in Takamatsu, Japan, and died in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada where he had maintained a studio and a home since 1981. He taught printmaking and drawing at the University of Calgary, Alberta, and was a visiting lecturer and teacher at dozens of other universities, colleges, and venues in locations as diverse as the Canadian Arctic and Israel. He influenced students at the highest levels of academic study as well as aboriginal professionals in the earliest stages of developing a societal-changing printmaking industry. His works have been exhibited widely around the world and collected by over two dozen Canadian museums. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold "as-is", refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not ship in-house. A list of recommended shippers will be provided.
Helios Auctions
Sep. 22, 2024
NOBORU SAWAI - Antique Birdcage
Est: $250 - $300
NOBORU SAWAI (Japanese/Canadian, 1931-2017) "Antique Birdcage" - Limited edition etching and woodblock print 31/100. Signed and editioned lower left, titled lower right, unframed. 21 x 15 inches (image), 24 x 18 inches (paper)
Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting
Sep. 22, 2024
NOBORU SAWAI - In the Garden
Est: $140 - $180
NOBORU SAWAI (Japanese/Canadian, 1931-2017) "In the Garden" - Limited edition etching 11/100. Signed lower right, titled lower left, editioned lower centre, unframed. 8.5 x 5 inches (image), 12 x 7.75 inches (paper). Very good condition, some handling marks noted outside of image area. From the collection of Saskatchewan artist David Thauberger.
Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting
Feb. 11, 2024
Noboru Sawai, Antique Bird Cage, etching and intaglio. 1980
Est: $600 - $800
This image is classic Sawai, merging etching and embossing techniques with erotic subject matter. Noboru Sawai is most remembered for his erotic multi-media prints. However, he was also an influential professor, who taught a generation of artists, from Cape Dorset to Israel, the process of printmaking. Noboru Sawai was born on Takamatsu, Japan in 1931 and went to study in the United States in 1950. However, he was struck by tuberculosis just after arriving and spent the next 9 years recovering. He eventually earned a MFA from the University of Minnesota in 1969. He then returned to Japan to study traditional woodblock printmaking at Hanga Academy in Tokyo, under revered printmaker Toshi Yoshida: "from this period my principle concern has been how I can synthesize the traditional method of executing Japanese woodcuts with the techniques of European (ie. Western) etchings, thus establishing an amalgam of two diverse cultures to the art of printmaking". He came to Canada in 1971 to teach at the art department at the University of Calgary, where he taught for 22 years. He established his own studio, Sawai Atelier, in Vancouver in 1981.
4th Meridian Fine Art
Mar. 19, 2023
NOBORU SAWAI - In the Garden (from Album Miniature)
Est: $150 - $200
NOBORU SAWAI (Japanese/Canadian, 1931-2017) "In the Garden (from Album Miniature)" - Limited edition etching 11/100. Signed lower right, titled lower left, editioned lower centre, unframed. 8.5 x 5 inches (image), 12 x 7.75 inches (paper). From the collection of Saskatchewan artist David Thauberger.
Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting
Nov. 16, 2022
Noburu Sawaii, Canadian (1931-), Great Tribunal, etching, #21/100, 17 3/4 x 23 3/4 in. (45.09 x 60.33 cm.)
Est: $150 - $250
Noburu Sawaii Canadian, (1931- ) Great Tribunal etching, #21/100 signed
Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Jun. 29, 2022
Noboru Sawai, Canadian (1931- ), Interior Scene and Shunga, woodblock, 17 3/4 x 24 in. (145 x 61 cm)
Est: $100 - $150
Noboru Sawai Canadian (1931- ) interior scene and shunga woodblock artist's proof, signed 17 3/4 x 24 in. (145 x 61 cm)
Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Jun. 29, 2022
Noboru Sawai, Canadian (1931- ), Signs of the Zodiac, woodblock, 23 3/4 x 19 3/4 in. (60 x 50 cm)
Est: $100 - $150
Noboru Sawai Canadian (1931- ) signs of the zodiac woodblock artist's proof, signed 23 3/4 x 19 3/4 in. (60 x 50 cm)
Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Jun. 29, 2022
Noboru Sawai, Canadian (1931- ), After the Banquet, woodblock, 19 1/2 x 27 1/4 in. (49.5 x 69 cm)
Est: $100 - $150
Noboru Sawai Canadian (1931- ) after the banquet woodblock artist's proof, signed 19 1/2 x 27 1/4 in. (49.5 x 69 cm)
Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Jun. 18, 2022
NOBURU SAWAII (1931 - 2016) print in kleuren n° 77…
Est: €100 - €150
NOBURU SAWAII (1931 - 2016) print in kleuren n° 77/100 getiteld "House of many mansions" - 60 x 45 getekend English Translation Noburu Sawaii signed "House of many mansions" print
DVC
May. 29, 2022
Noboru Sawai, Antique Birdcage
Est: $600 - $800
This image is classic Sawai, merging etching and embossing techniques with erotic subject matter. Noboru Sawai is most remembered for his erotic multi-media prints. However, he was also an influential professor, who taught a generation of artists, from Cape Dorset to Israel, the process of printmaking. Noboru Sawai was born on Takamatsu, Japan in 1931 and went to study in the United States in 1950. However, he was struck by tuberculosis just after arriving and spent the next 9 years recovering. He eventually earned a MFA from the University of Minnesota in 1969. He then returned to Japan to study traditional woodblock printmaking at Hanga Academy in Tokyo, under revered printmaker Toshi Yoshida: "from this period my principle concern has been how I can synthesize the traditional method of executing Japanese woodcuts with the techniques of European (ie. Western) etchings, thus establishing an amalgam of two diverse cultures to the art of printmaking". He came to Canada in 1971 to teach at the art department at the University of Calgary, where he taught for 22 years. He established his own studio, Sawai Atelier, in Vancouver in 1981. Noboru Sawai (Canadian 1931 - 2016) etching and linocut, Image size: 21" x 15" Frame size: 32" x 25.5" Excellent condition.
4th Meridian Fine Art
Mar. 27, 2022
NOBORU SAWAI - In the Garden (from Album Miniature)
Est: $180 - $250
NOBORU SAWAI (Japanese/Canadian, 1931-2017) "In the Garden" (from Album Miniature) - Limited edition etching 11/100. Signed lower right, titled lower left, editioned lower centre, unframed. 8.5 x 5 inches (image), 12 x 7.75 inches (paper). From the collection of Saskatchewan artist David Thauberger.
Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting
Feb. 23, 2022
Noboru Sawai, Canadian (1931-2016), The Ferries, limited edition etching / woodblock print #46/100, 17 3/4 x 24 in. (45 x 61 cm)
Est: $150 - $200
Noboru Sawai Canadian (1931-2016) the ferries limited edition etching / woodblock print #46/100 signed 17 3/4 x 24 in. (45 x 61 cm)
Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Oct. 09, 2021
NOBORU SAWAI - In the Garden (from Album Miniature)
Est: $180 - $250
NOBORU SAWAI (Japanese/Canadian, 1931-2017) "In the Garden (from Album Miniature)" - Limited edition etching 11/100. Signed lower right, titled lower left, editioned lower centre, unframed. 8.5 x 5 in. (image), 12 x 7.75 in. (paper). From the collection of Saskatchewan artist David Thauberger.
Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting
Oct. 03, 2021
Noboru Sawai "Antique Bird Cage"
Est: $500 - $700
Noboru Sawai, (Japanese Canadian) 1931 - 2016, is most remembered for his erotic multi-media prints. However, he was also an influential professor, who taught a generation of artists, from Cape Dorset to Israel, the process of printmaking. Noboru Sawai was born on Feb. 18, 1931 in Takamatsu, Japan and spent his early childhood years in and around his birthplace. He learned English while working as a cook’s assistant at the U.S. military headquarters. He moved to the United States to study at the Lutheran Bible Institute, however, shortly after his arrival, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and spent the next nine years at a TB hospital in San Antonio, Texas. In 1962, married his first wife Gloria Sawai. Shortly after, they moved to Minneapolis to start a family and Sawai resumed his studies. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Augsburg College in 1966, and completed a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Minnesota, in 1969. In 1971, they returned to Japan so Sawai could study traditional woodblock printmaking in Tokyo. Later that year they relocated to Canada, with Sawai teaching printmaking and drawing in the University of Calgary’s Art Department. He held that position for the next 22 years. Upon retirement in 1993, Sawai relocated to Vancouver and set up his own printmaking studio where he developed his technique of combining the relief printing of woodblocks with the intaglio techniques of printing from etched copper plates. He also dedicated time to his interest in paper-making, and made several trips back to Japan to learn about making his own handmade paper, with the generous support of the Kashiki paper company in Kochi, Japan. Sawai was internationally known for his erotic imagery, however he considered himself a deeply philosophical and contradictory person. Friends described him as eccentric and outgoing. Noboru Sawai died on April 23, 2016 at the age of 85 in Vancouver.
4th Meridian Fine Art
Oct. 03, 2021
Noboru Sawai "Northern Tribe" etching edition 10/75
Est: $400 - $600
Noboru Sawai, (Japanese Canadian) 1931 - 2016, is most remembered for his erotic multi-media prints. However, he was also an influential professor, who taught a generation of artists, from Cape Dorset to Israel, the process of printmaking. Noboru Sawai was born on Feb. 18, 1931 in Takamatsu, Japan and spent his early childhood years in and around his birthplace. He learned English while working as a cook’s assistant at the U.S. military headquarters. He moved to the United States to study at the Lutheran Bible Institute, however, shortly after his arrival, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and spent the next nine years at a TB hospital in San Antonio, Texas. In 1962, married his first wife Gloria Sawai. Shortly after, they moved to Minneapolis to start a family and Sawai resumed his studies. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Augsburg College in 1966, and completed a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Minnesota, in 1969. In 1971, they returned to Japan so Sawai could study traditional woodblock printmaking in Tokyo. Later that year they relocated to Canada, with Sawai teaching printmaking and drawing in the University of Calgary’s Art Department. He held that position for the next 22 years. Upon retirement in 1993, Sawai relocated to Vancouver and set up his own printmaking studio where he developed his technique of combining the relief printing of woodblocks with the intaglio techniques of printing from etched copper plates. He also dedicated time to his interest in paper-making, and made several trips back to Japan to learn about making his own handmade paper, with the generous support of the Kashiki paper company in Kochi, Japan. Sawai was internationally known for his erotic imagery, however he considered himself a deeply philosophical and contradictory person. Friends described him as eccentric and outgoing. Noboru Sawai died on April 23, 2016 at the age of 85 in Vancouver.
4th Meridian Fine Art
Sep. 29, 2021
Noboru Sawai (Japanese / Canadian, b. 1931) "Leda"
Est: $150 - $250
Noboru Sawai (Japanese / Canadian, b. 1931) "Leda", woodcut and etching on paper, ed. 5/100, undated. Signed, titled and numbered in pencil. Unframed.
Peter Estey Fine Art & Auctions
Jan. 24, 2021
Noboru Sawai, Antique Birdcage
Est: $600 - $800
This image is classic Sawai, merging etching and embossing techniques with erotic subject matter. Noboru Sawai is most remembered for his erotic multi-media prints. However, he was also an influential professor, who taught a generation of artists, from Cape Dorset to Israel, the process of printmaking. Noboru Sawai was born on Takamatsu, Japan in 1931 and went to study in the United States in 1950. However, he was struck by tuberculosis just after arriving and spent the next 9 years recovering. He eventually earned a MFA from the University of Minnesota in 1969. He then returned to Japan to study traditional woodblock printmaking at Hanga Academy in Tokyo, under revered printmaker Toshi Yoshida: "from this period my principle concern has been how I can synthesize the traditional method of executing Japanese woodcuts with the techniques of European (ie. Western) etchings, thus establishing an amalgam of two diverse cultures to the art of printmaking". He came to Canada in 1971 to teach at the art department at the University of Calgary, where he taught for 22 years. He established his own studio, Sawai Atelier, in Vancouver in 1981.
4th Meridian Fine Art
Sep. 27, 2020
Noboru Sawai, Antique Birdcage
Est: $600 - $800
This image is classic Sawai, merging etching and embossing techniques with erotic subject matter. Noboru Sawai is most remembered for his erotic multi-media prints. However, he was also an influential professor, who taught a generation of artists, from Cape Dorset to Israel, the process of printmaking. Noboru Sawai was born on Takamatsu, Japan in 1931 and went to study in the United States in 1950. However, he was struck by tuberculosis just after arriving and spent the next 9 years recovering. He eventually earned a MFA from the University of Minnesota in 1969. He then returned to Japan to study traditional woodblock printmaking at Hanga Academy in Tokyo, under revered printmaker Toshi Yoshida: "from this period my principle concern has been how I can synthesize the traditional method of executing Japanese woodcuts with the techniques of European (ie. Western) etchings, thus establishing an amalgam of two diverse cultures to the art of printmaking". He came to Canada in 1971 to teach at the art department at the University of Calgary, where he taught for 22 years. He established his own studio, Sawai Atelier, in Vancouver in 1981.
4th Meridian Fine Art
Jul. 10, 2020
Noburu Sawai, Canadian (1931- ) 4 1/2 x 6 3/4 in. (11.4 x 17.1 cm) (unframed)
Est: $100 - $150
Noburu Sawai, Canadian (1931- ) a coloured shunga print. 4 1/2 x 6 3/4 in. (11.4 x 17.1 cm) (unframed)
Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Jul. 10, 2020
Noburu Sawai, Canadian (1931- ), Antique Seat, engraving, #4/100, 17 1/2 x 24 in. (44.5 x 61 cm)
Est: $100 - $150
Noburu Sawai Canadian (1931- ) antique seat engraving, #4/100 signed 17 1/2 x 24 in. (44.5 x 61 cm)
Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
May. 16, 2020
NOBORU SAWAI - Antique Birdcage
Est: $250 - $350
NOBORU SAWAI (Japanese/Canadian, 1931-2017) "Antique Birdcage" - Limited edition etching and woodblock print 31/100. Signed and editioned lower left, titled lower right, unframed. 21 x 15 in. (image); 24 x 18 in. (paper)
Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting
Oct. 03, 2019
Noboru Sawai (Canadian 1931 - 2016), Swan Lake (Proof)
Est: $600 - $800
This image is classic Sawai, merging etching and linocut techniques to justapose the grace and serene beauty of the flying swans with the passion and energy of the couple in the tent. Noboru Sawai is most remembered for his erotic multi-media prints. However, he was also an influential professor, who taught a generation of artists, from Cape Dorset to Israel, the process of printmaking.
4th Meridian Fine Art
Dec. 11, 2016
Prints, Noburu Sawaii
Est: $100 - $200
(lot of 4) Noburu Sawaii (American. b 1931), "Parade," "Grand Concert," "Great Concert," and "Funeral," etchings in colors, each pencil signed and titled lower right, three from edition of 100, one A.P edition, largest overall (each/unframed): 20.25"h x 26"w
Clars Auctions
Jul. 07, 2016
NOBORU SAWAI (JAPANESE/CANADIAN, 1931-), BIRDS OF A FEATHER,1980; ANTIQUE BED, C. 1980; LEDA, 1980, THREE WOODCUTS WITH INTAGLIO; EACH ARTIST CHOPMARK, SIGNED AND NUMBERED 14/100, Largest Sheet and Smaller 23" x 17.5" — 58.4 x 44.5 cm. (3 Pieces)
Est: -
NOBORU SAWAI (JAPANESE/CANADIAN, 1931-)BIRDS OF A FEATHER,1980; ANTIQUE BED, C. 1980; LEDA, 1980THREE WOODCUTS WITH INTAGLIO; EACH ARTIST CHOPMARK, SIGNED AND NUMBERED 14/100Largest Sheet and Smaller 23" x 17.5" — 58.4 x 44.5 cm.Literature:Bente Roed Cochran, Printmaking in Alberta, 1945-1985Estimate: $125—175
Waddington's
Feb. 16, 2012
NOBORU SAWAI (JAPANESE/CANADIAN, 1931-) ANTIQUE
Est: $100 - $150
NOBORU SAWAI (JAPANESE/CANADIAN, 1931-) ANTIQUE BIRD CAGE; COLOUR ETCHING; SIGNED AND NUMBERED 76/100 LOWER LEFT; TITLED LOWER RIGHT (Image, 20.5" x 14.8") (Sheet, 22.5" x 18") Emmett's Custom Framing Ltd.
Waddington's
Jan. 31, 2004
Noboru Sawai 1931 - Canadian Leda woodcut and etching, 1980 signed, titled, editioned 1/100 and stamped with chop mark 23 x 17 inches, 58 4 x 43.2 centimetres Provenance: Gallery Moos Ltd., Toronto Private Collection, Toronto ESTIMATE: E600-800 CDN
Est: -
Noboru Sawai 1931 - Canadian Leda woodcut and etching, 1980 signed, titled, editioned 1/100 and stamped with chop mark 23 x 17 inches, 58 4 x 43.2 centimetres Provenance: Gallery Moos Ltd., Toronto Private Collection, Toronto ESTIMATE: E600-800 CDN
Heffel
Nov. 23, 2003
Artist: NOBORU SAWAI - [b.1931] Canadian Title: Signs of Zodiac Media: colour etching and wood block on paper Size: 24 x 19.75 in. / 61 x 50 cm. Notes: signed, numbered and artist's chop middle centre; titled lower centre; archival mat Provenance:
Est: $300 - $400
Artist: NOBORU SAWAI - [b.1931] Canadian Title: Signs of Zodiac Media: colour etching and wood block on paper Size: 24 x 19.75 in. / 61 x 50 cm. Notes: signed, numbered and artist's chop middle centre; titled lower centre; archival mat Provenance: Gallery Moos, Toronto, label verso; private collection, Calgary ESTIMATE:
Levis Auction
Nov. 23, 2003
Artist: NOBORU SAWAI - [b.1931] Canadian Title: Orient Express - Rear Media: colour etching and wood block on paper Size: 17.75 x 23.5 in. / 45 x 60 cm. Dated: 1977 Notes: titled in plate lower centre; signed, numbered and artist's chop lower centre;
Est: $300 - $400
Artist: NOBORU SAWAI - [b.1931] Canadian Title: Orient Express - Rear Media: colour etching and wood block on paper Size: 17.75 x 23.5 in. / 45 x 60 cm. Dated: 1977 Notes: titled in plate lower centre; signed, numbered and artist's chop lower centre; archival mat Reference: catalogue #16 in A Garden of Delights: 25 Years of Prints by Noboru Sawai, K.Ylitalo Provenance: Gallery Moos, Toronto, label verso; private collection, Calgary ESTIMATE:
Levis Auction
Nov. 23, 2003
Artist: NOBORU SAWAI - [b.1931] Canadian Title: Orient Express - Centre Media: colour etching and wood block on paper Size: 17.75 x 23 5 in. / 45 x 60 cm. Dated: 1977 Notes: titled in plate lower centre; signed, numbered and artist's chop lower
Est: $300 - $400
Artist: NOBORU SAWAI - [b.1931] Canadian Title: Orient Express - Centre Media: colour etching and wood block on paper Size: 17.75 x 23 5 in. / 45 x 60 cm. Dated: 1977 Notes: titled in plate lower centre; signed, numbered and artist's chop lower centre; archival mat Reference: catalogue #16 in A Garden of Delights: 25 Years of Prints by Noboru Sawai, K.Ylitalo Provenance: Gallery Moos, Toronto, label verso; private collection, Calgary ESTIMATE:
Levis Auction
Nov. 23, 2003
Artist: NOBORU SAWAI - [b.1931] Canadian Title: Orient Express - Front Media: colour etching and wood block on paper Size: 18 x 23.5 in. / 46 x 60 cm. Dated: 1977 Notes: titled in plate lower centre; signed, numbered and artist's chop lower centre;
Est: $300 - $400
Artist: NOBORU SAWAI - [b.1931] Canadian Title: Orient Express - Front Media: colour etching and wood block on paper Size: 18 x 23.5 in. / 46 x 60 cm. Dated: 1977 Notes: titled in plate lower centre; signed, numbered and artist's chop lower centre; archival mat Reference: catalogue #16 in A Garden of Delights: 25 Years of Prints by Noboru Sawai, K.Ylitalo Provenance: Gallery Moos, Toronto, label verso; private collection, Calgary ESTIMATE:
Levis Auction